Shade structure

Various aspects provide for disposing an umbrella over a table. In some cases, an umbrella may be coupled to a table. An umbrella may be disposed at a location other than a center of the table, which may provide for improved shelter from weather arriving at an angle (e.g., wind-driven rain, angled sunlight, and the like).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to providing shelter from sunlight, weather, and the like.

BACKGROUND

People seated at a table (e.g., picnic table) may desire protection from the sun, rain, snow, and the like (hereinafter: weather). In some cases, weather may descend from directly overhead. In some cases, weather may arrive at the table at an angle. For example, a table may receive sunlight at an angle, particularly in winter and/or far from the equator. Wind-driven rain may fall at an angle. An umbrella disposed over a center of a table may not protect the entire table from weather arriving at an angle. An improved apparatus would provide for adjustability with respect to incoming weather, such that protection from the weather may adapt to the changes. Some umbrellas require a stand, which may be heavy and expensive. An improved apparatus would reduce fabrication and transportation costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Protecting a table or other surface from weather (e.g., arriving at an angle) may include adjusting a protective device (e.g., an umbrella) to different positions, such as a position other than directly overhead a center of the table. One or more couplings and/or receivers may be configured to removably (e.g., adjustably) attach a mast to a table, to provide for adjusting an angle of the mast via a combination of movable attachment positions and couplings/receivers that allow for pivoting of the mast.

Some umbrellas may be shaped in a manner that matches or otherwise complements the shape of a table coupled to the umbrella. Some umbrellas may be shaped to match an arrangement of tables (e.g., a plurality of parallel tables, angled toward the sun, and a plurality of parallel umbrellas shaped to provide contiguous protection across the tables). In some embodiments, an umbrella and table are coupled via the mast, such that the table supports the mast of the umbrella, which may eliminate the need for a base or stand for the umbrella.

An apparatus may comprise a mast coupled to a table with a coupling. A table may comprise a top, a receiver in the top that is configured to receive a mast, a leg, optionally a brace. One or more couplings may removably couple the mast to the top, leg, and/or brace in a manner that provides for adjustability of the mast. In some cases, a receiver is also a coupling. A receiver may include a hole in the top. The coupling may provide lateral, vertical, angular, and/or sliding/rolling adjustability to position the mast at different positions and/or angles with respect to the top. The mast may dispose an umbrella over the table.

A coupling may include a mast attachment configured to removably attach to a mast, a table attachment configured to removably attach to a table, and a first pivot connecting the mast attachment to the table attachment. The mast attachment, table attachment, and first pivot may be adjustable to provide for disposing the mast at a plurality of angles between the mast and a top of the table. A coupling may attach to a top, brace, leg, or another part of the table as needed to secure the mast. A mast attachment may provide for moving the mast in a direction aligned with the mast.

A table may comprise a top, a leg, and optionally a brace (to brace the top and/or leg). A first coupling may be coupled to the leg or brace via the table attachment, and may be configured to couple a first portion of the mast to the leg or brace via the mast attachment. A receiver and/or second coupling may couple a second portion of the mast to the top. The first and second portions of the mast may define an angle, which may be changed by adjusting a coupling and/or receiver to different positions (e.g., along the top, brace, or leg). The couplings and/or receiver may allow the mast to pivot, providing for a plurality of angles between the mast and the table.

An umbrella may have a length greater than a width. A shape of the umbrella (e.g., aspect ratio between length and width) may be chosen to match a shape of a table to which the umbrella is coupled. A mast may include a hinge (e.g., to keep an umbrella parallel to the ground as mast angle changes).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1is a diagram of an apparatus in an embodiment. A table100may include a top102and one or more legs112. An optional brace110may stabilize a leg and/or the top (e.g., fixing the leg at a 90 degree angle with respect to the top). Brace110may brace other components (e.g., connect a first leg to a second leg). Brace110and/or leg112may be adjustable (e.g., pivotable to collapse the table, extendible to change height, etc.). At least a portion of brace110may be vertical, horizontal, and/or angled (e.g., between top102and leg112), and may be disposed below top102. A brace may be located above top102. Brace110may be strong enough (e.g., stiff enough in bending between its attachment points) to support an umbrella (e.g., wind loaded) via a mast coupled to the brace. Brace110may be straight and/or curved.

Mast130may be connected to umbrella140. Some masts130may include a hinge135, which may provide for changing an angle between umbrella140and mast130(e.g., to keep umbrella140level as an angle of mast130is changed, or to angle umbrella140with respect to mast130).

Mast130may be coupled or connected to table100in a manner that provides for adjusting an angle101of mast130(e.g., with respect to top102) to move umbrella140to different positions (e.g., from centered to off center).

One or more couplings150may couple mast130to the table (in this example, to brace110). A coupling may couple a mast to a leg, a brace, a top, and/or other portion of the table. Coupling150may provide for lateral movement154(e.g., by sliding, rolling, removable gripping, pins/receptacles, and the like). Coupling150may provide for “vertical” adjustment (e.g., movement in direction152) of mast130. Coupling150may include a pivot160to allow rotation (e.g., changing an angle156between mast130and, in this case, brace110). Pivot160may include a freely rotating hinge. Pivot160may include a tightening or locking mechanism that affixes mast130at a desired angle.

Top102of table100may include one or more receivers120configured to couple to mast130. A coupling or receiver may constrain motion in some directions and provide for motion in other directions. For example a receiver120may confine or constrain mast130vertically and laterally, and allow mast130to pivot (e.g., over a desired range of angles101, such as at least 15 degrees, 30 degrees, or at least 45 degrees) with respect to top102. Some receivers may allow mast130to slide (e.g., in direction152, in a direction along the table top, and the like). Some receivers may removably grip mast130. Some receivers120provide for positioning mast130at different positions (e.g., along the top120). Receiver120may include a hole, which may be sized in at least one dimension to approximately match a cross section of mast130(e.g., slightly larger than the diameter of a cylindrical mast130). Holes in receiver120may be round, elliptical, square rectangular, curved, or otherwise shaped. In some embodiments, receiver120is disposed away from the middle of top102(e.g., in a long direction characterizing table100, and/or along a “width” of table top102, and the like). Receiver120may comprise a coupling150.

Coupling150and receiver120may include a pivot160and/or provide for pivoting of mast130, and may allow mast130to be adjusted in direction152. By aligning table100with respect to incoming weather (e.g., aligning a long direction of the table with an incoming direction of the sun, wind, and the like), and adjusting various apparatus (e.g., varying the position of coupling150along brace110, and/or height of umbrella140), umbrella140may be adjusted to shelter table100from weather arriving at different angles. For example, mast130may be oriented toward the sun in a manner that positions umbrella140in a position other than directly above table100, which may increase the area of top102sheltered by umbrella140.

In the configuration shown inFIG. 1, top102may be shaded from sunlight or rain arriving in direction170by angling mast130to place umbrella140off center (as shown). Configurations may be adapted to changing weather conditions (e.g., time of day, season, wind speed) by adjusting various angles and distances to reposition umbrella140, and optionally by repositioning table100with respect to incident weather. A long dimension of table100may be aligned with its own shadow at noon. A relative position of umbrella140with respect to the surface (and/or seats) of table100may be chosen to maximize the protection of the table by the umbrella. In some embodiments, at least one of coupling150and receiver120attaches umbrella140to table100, which may eliminate the need for a heavy stand or base to support mast130.

A coupling or receiver may be adjustable to provide for motion as needed or constrain motion as needed. An interface between a coupling or receiver and the table may comprise a grip configured to grip a corresponding feature on the table, such as a leg, brace, rail, or top, and a corresponding grippable feature (e.g., the leg itself, a rail attached to a brace, the top, etc.). Vice versa, a table may include a grip configured to grip a feature on the coupling or receiver. The interface may include one or more movable pins (e.g., on the coupling) that fit into corresponding receptacles (e.g., on the table). A coupling and/or receiver may slide or roll along a feature. A feature (and/or leg or brace) may be tubular, and a coupling may include a circular portion (e.g., a u-bolt) to grip the tube.

FIG. 2illustrates a different configuration of an apparatus, according to some embodiments. InFIG. 2, coupling150has been adjusted (and receiver120has allowed mast130to pivot) to reposition umbrella140with respect to the position inFIG. 1(in this case, over the center of the table). In some embodiments, coupling150moves to change angle101; in some embodiments, a receiver120moves to change angle101. Both coupling150and receiver120may move in some embodiments. An upper portion of mast130(e.g., proximate to umbrella140) may, at a first mast angle101, be positioned over the center of top102, and at a second mast angle101, be positioned a distance from the center of top102.

A coupling and/or receiver may be loosened, moved, and tightened to reposition the portion of mast130to which it's coupled to change angle101. For example, by moving coupling150along brace110and moving mast130in direction152(FIG. 1) within coupling150and receiver120(both of which may allow pivoting) angle101may be chosen to place umbrella140substantially directly above the center of top102(e.g., for overhead weather in direction270) or away from the center of top102(e.g., for angled weather in direction170) as weather conditions require. In some embodiments hinge135may adjust umbrella140to a variety of angles between mast130and top102. A position of mast130in receiver120may be changed to adjust an angle between mast130and top102.

Movement of a receiver and/or coupling may “sweep” mast130over a virtual “surface” in the air (as if waving a wand). In an embodiment, mast130moves through a surface comprising a plane of positions which may be parallel with a long direction of a table (so that umbrella140moves in a direction parallel to the long direction). The surface may be parallel to a width of the table. A curved brace or leg (and/or curved receiver) may be used to sweep mast130through curved shape (e.g., sweeping a conical surface). A receiver and/or coupling that adjusts in both length and width directions of the table (e.g., with a curved receiver or brace) may be used to move umbrella140in an arc (e.g., to follow the sun). Hinge135may pivot portions of mast130within a plane defined by motion of a receiver and/or coupling. Hinge135may pivot in another direction (e.g., a coupling changes mast angles to move umbrella140lengthwise along top102, and hinge135moves umbrella140widthwise along top102).

FIG. 3illustrates several exemplary receivers, according to some embodiments. Receiver310may include a round hole, and may be disposed away from a center of top102(e.g., in the “long” direction of top102). Receiver320may include an elliptical hole. Receivers may include square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, and/or octagonal holes (e.g., to match a corresponding mast). Receiver330may include a hole disposed in a center of top102. Receiver340may include a curved hole. Receivers340and350may include an elongated hole that provides for moving a position of mast130(FIG. 1) in both “lengthwise” and “widthwise” directions. Receiver360may include a notch or other feature (e.g., at an edge of top102). Receiver370may include a rail or bracket (e.g., a U-shaped bracket). Receiver380may include a hole and a clamp372. Clamp372may be adjustable (e.g., to different locations within the hole associated with receiver380). Clamp372may removably grip or otherwise affix other apparatus (e.g., mast130,FIG. 1). Claim372may include a rail and a feature that grips the rail. In exemplary receiver380, clamp372includes a plurality of pins374sized to match corresponding receptacles382. Pins374may be inserted into receptacles382to position clamp372in a desired position. Pins374may be retracted, clamp372(and mast130) may be moved to another position, then pins374may be inserted into new corresponding receptacles382to reposition mast130.

In some embodiments, an actuator (e.g., a motor, a solenoid, an hydraulic cylinder, and the like) may be coupled to at least one of a mast, receiver, coupling, and/or table, and may be configured to adjust an angle of the mast (and/or position of an umbrella). An actuator may be configured to track incoming weather (e.g., via a sensor) and adjust the mast accordingly. In some embodiments, a desired position is detected (e.g., an angle of the sun) and an umbrella is adjusted to optimize exposure to (e.g., shading from) weather. A clock signal and/or location signal (e.g., from a GPS signal, a digital compass, and the like) may be used to determine a position of the sun. A weather sensor (e.g., wind sensor, photodiode, photovoltaic cell and the like) may be used to determine a desired position for mast130. In some embodiments, an umbrella, shade, solar panel and/or other feature (e.g., attached to a mast) may be configured to “track” incoming weather by monitoring the weather, calculating whether or not mast130is optimally positioned (e.g., maximizing shade to table top102) and adjusting a receiver or coupling accordingly if needed.

FIG. 4illustrates an exemplary configuration of an apparatus as viewed from above, according to some embodiments. Apparatus400may include an umbrella420disposed over a top102with a mast, coupling, and receiver (not shown). Umbrella420may be positioned (e.g., as inFIG. 4) to shade top102from sunlight incipient at an angle (e.g., with the sun on the “left” side of the page).

Top102may be longer in a length400than in a width410. Umbrella420may be longer in a length402than a width412. Umbrella420may include a flexible cover (e.g., nylon or canvas), which may be supported by support arms. Umbrella420may include a first arm440that is longer than a second arm430. In some embodiments, a shape (e.g., as viewed from above) of an umbrella is similar to (e.g., matches) the shape of the table with which the umbrella may be used. An umbrella may be symmetrical (e.g., with respect to the mast) in direction410and/or400. An umbrella may be asymmetrical, and have one arm430laterally “longer” than an opposite arm430. In some configurations, a receiver is disposed off-center (e.g., in direction410) and a matching umbrella is asymmetrical, such that the umbrella shelter is centered on the table, notwithstanding the off center receiver. A curved and/or angled mast130may be used to center an umbrella over a top having an off-center receiver.

FIG. 5illustrates an exemplary umbrella, according to some embodiments. Umbrella500includes a first arm510, a second arm520, and a third arm530. In some cases, umbrella500may be longer in a first direction502than in a second direction504. In some cases, third arm530is longer than at least one of, and sometimes both of first arm510and second arm520. In some cases, second arm520is longer than at least one of, and sometimes both of, first arm510and third arm530. In some cases, first arm510is shorter than second arm520and third arm530, which may be approximately the same length.

In some embodiments, a cross section of a mast is square, rectangular, and/or otherwise shaped to restrain rotation of the mast (e.g., to maintain an angular orientation of an umbrella with respect to the table). A cross section of a rectangular mast may be longer in the long direction of the table to increase stiffness of the mast to a bending moment generated at receiver120by umbrella140and coupling150(e.g., at angles101far from 90 degrees).

FIGS. 6 and 7illustrate configurations of an apparatus according to some embodiments. Coupling150may be used to removably attach mast130to leg112. InFIG. 6, coupling150is coupled to rail600. Rail600includes a plurality of receptacles382, into which a pin374on coupling150may be inserted. Coupling150may be moved to different positions along rail600to adjust angle101.

FIGS. 8 and 9illustrate configurations of an apparatus according to some embodiments. Receiver380may be used to move a portion of mast130held by clamp372to different positions along top102. In this example, clamp372may allow for mast movement in direction152, reducing or eliminating the need for lateral motion of coupling150(e.g., along leg112). In some embodiments, a receiver380provides for motion of a first portion of mast130and a coupling150provides for motion of a second portion of mast130. The first and second portions may move in different directions (e.g., to move mast130through a nonplanar “surface”).FIG. 9illustrates a portion of an exemplary virtual “surface”900swept by mast130as mast angle is adjusted.

The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of this disclosure. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.