Hub assembly for an umbrella frame

An umbrella frame provides a stable and enduring support for an umbrella canopy while also allowing canopies of varying shapes and sizes to be mounted thereto. The umbrella frame includes a hub assembly, namely, a main hub member mounted about a central pole member of the umbrella frame which offers improved means for attaching brackets thereto which are structured to pivotally receive a plurality of strut members therein, which strut members are, in turn, pivotally secured to a plurality of rib members interconnected with an upper, secondary hub. The main hub member of the present invention preferably includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a channel having at least one ledge formed therebetween, with a band formed from a flattened strip of metal secured within the channel about the hub member. The channel is formed to have the same general height dimension as the brackets, which are secured to the band and the hub member and are confined within the space defined by the channel so as to prevent rotation or twisting thereof. As such, the present invention provides for an umbrella frame which is more sturdy and durable and yet, which allows the size and shape of the attached canopy to be readily varied.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to umbrellas, and more particularly, to a hub assembly for an umbrella frame. The hub assembly of the present invention offers improvements primarily, but not exclusively, in durability and the withstanding of abusive weather conditions.

2. Description of the Related Art

Large, standing outdoor umbrellas are commonly utilized at restaurants, bars, hotels, and other places that offer outdoor seating so as to shield people from the sun, as well as from other elements of nature, such as wind, light rain, etc. As such, these types of outdoor umbrellas typically have been designed to endure some of these elements. Nevertheless, damage to the framework of an umbrella can and does occur for many reasons. For example, umbrellas can be damaged by severe and unexpected weather and strong winds can cause a standing outdoor umbrella to fall over, which can cause component parts of the umbrella frame to become cracked or bent. Others suffer damage as a result of improper handling, such as when a worker moves them from one location to another quickly or recklessly and/or as a result of improper installation. Many of the umbrellas known in the art suffer the disadvantages of not being able to withstand strong winds or other harsh weather, as well as not being capable of simple repair when damage does occur.

For example, many standing outdoor umbrellas utilize a wood material, which quite often is highly polished, for the hub assembly, ribs, struts, and other frame components due to the pleasing esthetic effect which it offers. However, these assemblies often require that screws or other connectors be driven into the wood material, which compromises the material's strength and integrity. In particular, when these types of umbrellas fall over, a common result is that the wood splits at the site or sites where a screw has been screwed into the wood. Unfortunately, once an umbrella is damaged in this way, it is often more expensive and difficult to repair the frame component(s) of the umbrella than it is to replace them or in some cases, the umbrella itself. This is especially true when the wood hub assembly of the umbrella frame has been split or otherwise damaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is intended to present a solution to some of the problems in this field of art, and as such, relates to a hub assembly for an outdoor umbrella which is better able to withstand the forces to which they are commonly subjected. The hub assembly of the present invention is also better suited towards being repaired in a relatively simple manner in the event it were to become damaged.

The hub assembly of the present invention comprises a hub member having a central aperture sized to receive a pole member of the umbrella frame and capable of sliding up and down the pole member. The hub member includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and in a first embodiment, further includes a band secured about a periphery thereof between the upper and lower portions, with a plurality of brackets secured to at least the band, but ideally also to the hub member. The brackets are structured to pivotally receive an end of a strut member of the umbrella frame, as further described in greater detail herein. In another embodiment, the hub member further includes a channel formed generally in the upper portion thereof, which is defined by at least a lower ledge, but ideally an upper ledge as well, extending entirely or substantially about a periphery of the hub member. The channel has a height dimension that is sized to correspond generally with the height dimension of said brackets. Preferably, a band is also secured to the hub member in this embodiment, but secured within the channel and about the hub member. However, the present invention also contemplates an embodiment of the hub member which includes the channel but not the band secured thereto, i.e., wherein the brackets are received within and secured directly within the channel to the hub member.

In another embodiment, the inventive hub member has upper and lower portions which are separate and distinct from one another, and which collectively form a channel between them in an assembled orientation. Here as well, the channel formed between the upper and lower portions is preferably defined by at least one ledge, such as a bottom ledge, but preferably also a top ledge as well, with the height of the channel sized to correspond to the height of a plurality of brackets to be secured within the channel and to the hub member.

In yet another embodiment, the hub member additionally comprises a ring, and most preferably, a ring having a solid, one piece construction. In the illustrated embodiment, the ring includes a first exposed, horizontally oriented surface and a second exposed, horizontally oriented surface, and further, the upper portion of the hub-member is disposed adjacent to the first exposed ring surface and the lower portion of the hub member is disposed adjacent to the second exposed ring surface in an assembled orientation. The ring preferably also includes a plurality of pre-formed brackets structured to pivotally receive an end of a strut member of the umbrella frame, and further, is free to rotate about the pole member, at least, if not within or between the hub member's upper and lower portions.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a hub assembly for an umbrella frame which is less likely to crack, split, explode or suffer other damage as a result of the umbrella's falling over or undergoing windy conditions or other stress and forces.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hub assembly for an umbrella frame which is capable of withstanding fluctuations between hot and cold temperatures, as well as withstanding extreme temperatures, and also, wind and other weather conditions.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hub assembly for an umbrella frame which provides better stability for brackets and/or other components used in attaching the rib and/or strut members to the umbrella frame.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an umbrella frame having easily replaceable and interchangeable parts.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved hub assembly which in at least one embodiment is capable of rotating about the pole member of the umbrella frame, at a minimum.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The present invention is directed to a hub assembly10for an umbrella, and preferably, but not necessarily, a large, upright, outdoor umbrella of the type used at restaurants, bars, and on patios, decks, etc. While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail at least one specific embodiment, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment or embodiments illustrated.

By way of background, and with reference toFIG. 1, the umbrella with which the invention is utilized will typically include a frame100having a longitudinally extending, central pole member120, which can be made of wood, aluminum or another material, and which has a top end140and a bottom end160. The bottom end160may be easily secured to the ground or any means of vertical affixment, although in the preferred embodiments the bottom end160may be secured within a base, not shown, which will ideally have wheels to facilitate movement of the umbrella from one place to another. The hub assembly comprises a main hub member10, which is designed and configured to be interconnected with other components of the umbrella frame100, has a central aperture15, best shown inFIG. 2, extending axially therethrough for placement about the central pole member120and is slidable between the top140and bottom160ends of the pole member so as to permit the opening of the umbrella, as well as the closing of the umbrella, as indicated by the phantom lines shown inFIG. 1. In at least one embodiment, the hub member10is also capable of rotating about the axis of the pole member100.

As also shown inFIG. 1, the umbrella frame100also includes an upper or secondary hub member18near the top end140of the pole120. In the more preferred embodiments, this secondary hub member18is provided with a central cavity19extending axially therethrough for receiving the top end140of the pole120, as shown inFIG. 2, and ideally, is structured and configured to securely depend from the top, end140of the pole, an inventive feature described in a previously filed U.S. patent application of the inventor herein, namely, Ser. No. 10/008,536 filed on Nov. 13, 2001, incorporated herein by reference. For example, and as shown inFIG. 1, the central pole member120can include a threaded bolt65(whether secured to an exterior surface thereof or formed to extend from an interior thereof). This threaded bolt65is of a length sufficient to extend through a narrow upper portion of the central cavity19of the secondary hub member18such that a nut tightened about the bolt65will be capable of maintaining the secondary hub member18in substantially rigid position about the pole120. When desired, however, the nut may be loosened somewhat so as to allow the secondary hub member18to rotate about the pole's axis, a feature which is helpful during windy or other adverse weather conditions. A finial or end cap17can also be secured to the bolt65for aesthetic purposes once a canopy has been positioned atop the umbrella frame100. The end cap17also maintains the fabric canopy in a secured central position.

Still referring toFIG. 1, the umbrella frame100includes a plurality of rib members70which form the outer framework of the umbrella and also a plurality of strut members80. The rib and strut members may similarly be made of wood, plastic, or aluminum, another metal or other material, and the umbrella frame100can utilize any desired number and size of rib and strut members, depending on the particular size and shape of the umbrella canopy to be attached. Each of the rib members70are preferably secured pivotally at a top end thereof to the upper or secondary hub member18. Each of the strut members80are preferably secured pivotally at a first end82to the hub assembly10and are also preferably secured pivotally at a second end84to the rib members70at a point near the approximate midpoint of the rib members. The strut members80provide support for the rib members when the umbrella frame is in the extended or open position. The preferred pivotal attachment of the rib members70to the upper or secondary hub18and of the strut members80to the main hub member10will be discussed in greater detail subsequently herein. As also shown inFIG. 1, a retaining pin112can be attached to the hub member10and can be placed within a retaining pin slot formed within the pole120in order to maintain the vertical position of the hub member10along the pole120. In addition, the pin112can be secured to the hub member10via a cord having a noose loosely secured about the waist13of the hub member10SO as to allow for the free rotation of the hub member10about the pole120, even when the pin112is in place within the pin retaining slot. Other structures can be utilized to maintain the vertical position of the hub member10along the pole120, although ideally an inventive feature described as a “cam cleat member” in a previously filed U.S. patent application of the inventor herein will be used, with said feature being shown and described fully in U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,214 issued on May 14, 2002, and also in Ser. No. 10/008,536 filed on Nov. 13, 2001, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring more in particular now to the main hub member10, it is pointed out that in many embodiments it will be formed out of wood, preferably polished to offer a refined appearance, but that it could also be made from a number of other materials. In addition, the hub member10can have many different shapes, but preferably, includes both an upper portion12and a lower portion14. As is perhaps best shown inFIG. 2, the hub member10ideally includes a waist13so as to result in a generally hour-glass shape which provides comfort and which ergonomically fits better into one's hand for maneuverability of the hub member10up and down along the umbrella frame's central pole member120.

In at least one embodiment, and as illustrated inFIG. 4, the hub assembly10of the present invention also includes a band20. In particular, the band20, which can be made from a thin, flat strip of steel or other metallic material is preferably wrapped around the girth or external peripheral surface of the hub member10, ideally at or near the upper portion12thereof and is fixed in this location. For example, the band20may be secured to the hub member10by a set of screws driven into the wood of the hub assembly10so as to anchor the opposite free ends of the band20. For the purpose of pivotally attaching the first ends82of the strut members80to the hub member10, a plurality of bracket members40are affixed to the periphery of the band20, for example, by way of one or more screws44being driven through each bracket member40, through the underlying band20and into the wood or other material of the hub member10. It is contemplated that the band20may be formed from other materials, including but not limited to other metals, composites, plastic, etc. In addition, the brackets may be made of a metal material, probably a stamped metal, but could also be made of other materials, including plastic.

With reference now toFIG. 3-A, the hub member10illustrated in these embodiments includes a channel30formed around its girth or external peripheral surface. Ideally, the channel30is formed at or near the upper portion12thereof and further, is defined by both a bottom ledge32and a top ledge34as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3-A. Alternatively, and although not illustrated in the drawings, the channel30may be defined by only one ledge, such as bottom ledge32. The channel30is preferably sized and dimensioned to correspond to the size and dimension of the bracket members40, such that the rear wall42of each bracket member40fits within the channel30and rests on the ledge32or ledges32,34. In these embodiments, the bracket members40may also be secured within the channel30by way of one or more screws44driven directly into the wood or other material of the hub member10. Alternatively, and with reference toFIG. 4, a metal band20can be wrapped around the hub member10at or preferably within the channel30, and the bracket members40can then be secured thereto by one or more screws. It is contemplated that the channel30adds to the stability of the bracket members40due to their being kept in vertical alignment by the channel30, and ideally, both top and bottom ledges32,34thereof. In other words, this channel structure30helps to prevent the rotation or twisting and displacement of the bracket members40, and consequently, they are less likely to become loosened and thereby yield an umbrella frame assembly which is more durable and stable. Further, the bracket members may be readily secured and removed from the channel structure, via screw44, as shown inFIG. 2. While a screw member is shown as the means of attachment for the brackets to the hub member10, other forms of attachment may be employed, such as a machine threaded bolt, fitted notch or other element. Also shown inFIG. 3-Ais a “cam cleat member”90described briefly previously herein, which along with other components, not shown, permits the raising and lowering of the hub member10along the central pole member120to open and close the umbrella.

In yet another preferred embodiment, and with reference now toFIG. 3-B, the hub member10can be formed to have an upper portion12that is separate and distinct from the lower portion14, and as such, this embodiment may be termed a ‘split’ or separated hub member. In particular, the lower portion14of the hub assembly10can be formed to include both the waist13and the channel30, preferably with only bottom ledge32as discussed previously herein, and in this embodiment, the upper portion12is formed to define a ring or disk like top having a slightly larger dimension so as to define upper ledge34, as illustrated inFIG. 3-B. In this embodiment, the lower portion14of the hub assembly10is mounted onto the pole of the umbrella first, and then, the upper portion12can be mounted on the pole as well, such that a channel30having both a bottom ledge32and a top ledge34is created and sandwiched between the upper and lower portions12,14. In other words, in this embodiment the upper and lower portions12and14are collectively sized and formed to create the channel30therebetween in the assembled condition, with preferably, the channel30being sized and dimensioned to correspond to the size and dimension of the bracket members40, such that each bracket member40fits within the channel30and may be secured within the channel30by way of one or more screws driven directly into the hub assembly10. If desired, a band20can be included within the channel of this embodiment.

The present invention contemplates yet another embodiment of a ‘split’ hub assembly, which will now be described with reference toFIGS. 5-Aand5-B. In particular, a ring50may be sandwiched between the separate and distinct upper and lower portions of the hub assembly on the pole120, although in this embodiment, the ring50is preferably not secured to either, but instead, is free to rotate about the pole120and between the upper and lower portions. Ideally, the ring50is made from a plastic material so as to be durable and weather resistant, and further, has a single, one-piece configuration which includes a plurality of pre-formed brackets therein. For example, the pre-formed brackets may comprise a plurality of “U” shaped openings52a,52b,52c,52d, this shape being preferred for providing clearance to the ends82of strut members. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 5-Aand5-B, the ring50is provided with eight “U” shaped openings so as to accommodate up to eight struts80, to allow correspondence with a design for an umbrella canopy having eight rib members70and strut members80or less, such as six or four, as well. The ring50may also include other pre-formed brackets, such as a plurality of generally “V” shaped openings54a,54b,54c,54dformed therein, with each having a ledge formed at generally a mid-point of each opening, with there being ideally eight (8) in number as well. In the illustrated embodiment, one of the exterior surfaces, such as the bottom surface as shown inFIG. 5-Bmay be substantially flat so as to form an approximately or generally about ninety degree angle with the outer edges which define the pre-formed brackets, whereas the opposite exterior surface, such as the top surface shown inFIG. 5-Amay have a curved and/or sloped angle at these junctures.

As shown inFIGS. 1,2and4, the secondary hub member18is also provided with brackets for pivotally receiving the upper ends of rib members70. The rib members70form the outer framework of the umbrella frame of the present invention whereas the strut members80provide support for the rib members when the umbrella frame is in the extended or open position. As shown inFIG. 2, pivotal attachment of the rib and strut members to their respective brackets and hub members may occur by using a single screw extending through the bracket, such as at hole45, through the strut member (or rib member) and through hole46, where it can be bolted in place. Other like connectors can be used to allow the strut or rib members to be easily secured and removed from the brackets and indeed, for the brackets themselves to be easily replaceable. The rib and strut members may be made of aluminum or wood, for example. Also, and as shown inFIG. 1, the strut members80may be pivotally secured to the rib members70by a collar member96, which has been described in a prior U.S. patent application, identified previously herein and/or in a related “parent” patent application. Also, with the present invention, many different configurations of the canopy can be achieved. For example, four rib members can be employed to form a square shaped canopy, eight rib members can be employed for an octagonal shaped canopy, three rib members can be employed for a triangular shaped canopy, six rib members can be employed for a rectangular shaped canopy and five rib members can be employed for a semi-octagonal shaped canopy. The number of ribs to be employed determines the number of strut members, and brackets to be employed. For example, with four rib members, four strut members and four brackets are employed. Canopies of varying shapes and sizes are attached to the umbrella frame by unscrewing the finial or end cap17from the top end14of the pole120and removing a securing nut. The canopy opening is placed over the threaded bolt65and the canopy cuffs are placed around the outer ends of the rib members. The securing nut and finial17are then placed back onto the threaded bolt65. In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy members are SUNBRELLA 100% solution-dyed acrylic canopies or any other shade-like or non-shade like material.

When the frame is in the retracted position, as shown in phantom inFIG. 1, the inventive hub member10is near the bottom end160of the pole120. As the hub member10is lifted up the pole120, the strut members80extend outwardly, thereby expanding the rib members70and opening the attached canopy. As the strut members80pass the point where they extend perpendicularly from the pole member120, the strut members80lock into place against a hub stop member (not shown) secured to the pole, and the retaining pin member112may then be placed within its retaining slot on the pole120and the hub member10may then be returned downwardly to rest against the pin member112. In this position, the strut members80extend in a substantially perpendicular fashion from the pole member120to provide substantial support to the rib members70. With the present invention, the umbrella's frame100may be rotated by a loosening of the end cap17and securing nut from the pole's top end140, in an amount sufficient to allow for either slight or ready rotation of the hub member10,18about the pole120. The umbrella frame may also employ a cable and pulley system, preferably with a cam mechanism90shown inFIG. 3-A, to allow the user to easily raise the hub member10and thereby open the umbrella and/or lower it to close the umbrella.

The rigidity and density of all the components described herein can be tempered for a desired flexibility as needed. The pole, rib, and strut members may be comprised of metal, wood or fiberglass but not limited to these rigid compositions. The nature of thermoplastic construction with materials like ABS, DELRIN, POLYPROPOLYNE and other ACETALS allow for a degree of flexibility in the members of the umbrella frame. In heavy wind conditions the static frame work moves a few degrees in many directions and the tension of this movement is absorbed but not released. This type of stress over time degrades the structural integrity of an umbrella. Because these plastics have a degree of flexibility, the energy that normally would be absorbed by a completely static frame umbrella is distributed through all of the plastic components of the umbrella. This greatly increases the life of the static frame of an outdoor umbrella which is generally the more costly portion of an umbrella unit.