Umbrella base apparatus

An umbrella base for supporting an umbrella within a pool, poolside, or other outdoor areas. The umbrella base apparatus includes a base assembly having a base tube that can removably receive the umbrella therein. The base assembly includes a plate that can rest on a flat surface, one or more support arms extending from a central area outward from the plate, and a collar that is generally positioned at the central area of the plate. Each support arm interlocks with the collar. One or more weighted housings engage with a support arm and collar for providing mass to the umbrella base apparatus during use. The weighted housings are removable during transport or during submerged use. The plate and support arms have apertures that allow water to pass through during movement through water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an umbrella base apparatus. The present invention further provides a base assembly adapted to removably couple with an elongated pole of the umbrella via a base tube, wherein the base is configured to support an umbrella within a pool, poolside, or other outdoor area.

Many people enjoy spending time outdoors in the sun, especially poolside or on the beach. Unfortunately, excessive sun exposure can be damaging to a person's health and wellbeing. This is especially true in certain regions with too much ultraviolet radiation. As a solution, people sit under umbrellas as a way to escape the sun. However, most umbrellas are unable to provide shade to people while in the pool.

There exist some poolside umbrellas that offer shade to the area in close proximity therewith, however, as the sun changes position in the sky, the effective shaded area also changes accordingly. This requires repositioning of the poolside umbrellas. Yet, these typical poolside umbrellas are not easily transportable between multiple locations, such as the beach or the park. Therefore, there exists a need for an umbrella that comprises a base configured to removably receive an umbrella, wherein the base is adapted to remain at bottom of a pool, poolside, or other outdoor area and is conveniently transportable.

Furthermore, in use, an umbrella is only suitable for one environment, i.e., placement in sand or atop a hard surface such as a patio deck. For example, a beach umbrella generally comprises a pointed or threaded end for insertion into the sand for support. A conventional poolside umbrella may utilize weighted bags or containers for securement to the patio in an erected configuration. However, these poolside umbrellas are not suitable for placement in different environments. Therefore, there exists a need for an umbrella that comprises a reconfigurable base that is adapted to remain at bottom of a pool and placement atop a patio deck.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements and methods from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement for an umbrella base apparatus. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of umbrella base apparatuses now present in the known art, the present invention provides a new umbrella base apparatuses wherein the same can be utilized for supporting an umbrella within a pool, poolside, or other outdoor areas.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide an umbrella base apparatus comprising a base assembly that can selectively engage with an elongated pole of an umbrella. The base assembly is adapted for use submerged within a pool and includes a plate for supporting the umbrella, wherein the plate comprises apertures for convenient transport through water.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide the umbrella base assembly for use on a pool deck or other generally flat surface. The base assembly is attachable to one or more weighted housings for holding the umbrella and base in place during use. Each weighted housing is securable to the base assembly via a hook that engages with a collar and support arms. The weighted housing as removable from the base assembly such that when the umbrella is being moved, the weighted housings do not add additional encumbrance during the transport.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an umbrella base assembly having the collar and the one or more support arms that work cooperatively to secure the weighted housing thereto. The collar is interlocked with each of the support arms and secured to the plate. In this way, the base assembly is structurally strong while remaining light enough for transport.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a weighted housing formed from a monolithic structure having an integrated handle and interior compartment, wherein interior compartment is adapted to be filled with fluid or sand for providing additional mass thereto. In some embodiments, the weighted housings correspond with the number of support arms so that the entire plate is covered by the weighted housings.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved umbrella base apparatus that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for supporting an umbrella within a pool, poolside, or other outdoor areas. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment (s) of the invention. References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, “base”, “base assembly”, and “base apparatus” may be used interchangeably, and all refer to the support portion of the present invention that is adapted support the umbrella in an erect position.

Referring now toFIGS.1and2, there is shown a perspective view and an exploded view of an embodiment of an umbrella base apparatus, respectively. The umbrella base apparatus1000is configured for providing shade to a user while the umbrella base apparatus is disposed above or below water. The umbrella base apparatus comprises a base assembly2100that is adapted to support an elongated pole1200of an umbrella1100via a base tube2200. The base tube2200includes an elongated tubular member having a hollow interior that is sized to receive the elongated pole1200of the umbrella1100. In this way, the elongated pole1200and base tube2200are coaxial and are generally aligned vertically and erect.

In the shown embodiment, the base assembly2100comprises a generally circular dome having the base tube2200extend from a central area on a first side2120. The base assembly2100includes a flat second side2130opposite the first side2120, such that the base assembly2100is supported on a generally horizontal surface, such as a pool patio or pool floor. In alternate embodiments, the flat second side comprises a textured surface or layer to provide friction configured to prevent the base assembly from sliding on a surface.

In the illustrated embodiment, the umbrella1100comprises the elongated pole1200having a first end1220adapted to removably couple with the base assembly2100and a canopy1300at a second end1230, wherein the canopy1300is adapted to transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In an open configuration, as shown inFIG.1, the canopy1300is expended to provide shade to the area beneath and in close proximity to the umbrella1100. In the closed configuration, the canopy1300is retracted or otherwise closed to minimize the shadow formed by the canopy1300. In some embodiments, the umbrella base apparatus does not include the umbrella and only includes the base assembly. In alternate embodiments, the umbrella base apparatus comprises the umbrella and base assembly.

Referring now toFIG.2, the base assembly2100comprises a plate2300, a plurality of support arms2400, and a collar2500. One or more weighted housings2600are sized to be received by the base assembly2100so as to be semi-permanently affixed therewith. Here, “semi-permanently” means coupled via a hook or other fastener but separable without the use of a tool. In the shown embodiment, the one or more weighted housings2600form a shape that covers the plate almost entirely, aside from gaps formed between each weighted housing. The plurality of support arms2400form sectors between adjacent support arms that receive a corresponding weighted housings2600therebetween.

In the illustrated embodiment, a cover2800is removably positioned over the weighted housings2600and assembled base assembly2100. The cover2800is dome shaped and adapted to extend around a perimeter of the plate2300such that the weighted housings2600are inaccessible when the cover is positioned on the plate. The cover2800includes a central aperture that aligns with the elongated pole1200and base tube2200, such that they are coaxial thereby allowing the insertion and removal of the elongated pole1200from the base tube2200when the cover2800is secured to the base assembly2100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cover2800comprises a cover retainer to prevent rotation of the cover2800when placed over the weighted housings2600and assembled base assembly2100. In the shown embodiment, the cover retainer is a plurality of ribs2810that extend downward from the interior of the cover2800. In some embodiments, the ribs2810extend from the the central aperture, along the upper interior wall of the cover2800, and the interior sidewall thereof. The ribs2810are configured to align above each of the support arms2400such that a support arm2400and rib2810are disposed in a same vertical plane. The ribs2810prevent rotation of the cover2800by resting within the gaps formed between adjacent weighted housings, wherein the gaps are formed by the support arm extending upward from the plate.

Referring now toFIG.3, there is shown an exploded view of an embodiment of the base assembly. In the shown embodiment, the base assembly2100comprises the plate2300, the one or more support arms2400, the collar2500, and the base tube2200. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate2300is a planar member with the first side2120for supporting the other elements of the base assembly2100. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate2300comprises a circular cross-sectional shape. However, in other embodiments, the plate comprises any suitable shape such as having a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape.

The plurality of support arms2400extend radially on the first side2120of the plate2300from a central position. In the shown embodiment, the plurality of support arms2400are spaced evenly thereabout, such that an angle formed between adjacent support arms2400are equivalent angles, approximately seventy-two-degree angles with five support arms. In the shown embodiment, each support arm of the plurality of support arms2400comprise a fin2410at a first end2420thereof, opposite a second end2430of the support arm. The fin2410is L-shaped and extends upward from the plate2300when the support arm2400is seated thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the fin2410comprises a raised section that extends a greater distance from the plate2300than the second end2430of the support arm and is configured to rest within the collar2500. In the illustrated embodiment, each support arm is disposed in a single plane. In the illustrated embodiment, each support arm tapers from the first end to the second end.

In the shown embodiment, the collar2500is mounted to the plate2100over the plurality of support arms2400via a plurality of corresponding slots2510on a lower end2520of the collar2500such that the fin2410of each plurality of support arms2400is positioned within the corresponding slots2510. The collar2500is positioned centrally and includes a hollow interior that is sized to receive the base tube2200therein. The collar2500is adapted to be concentric with the base tube2200when both are fastened to the plate2300. In some embodiments, the base tube2200, support arms2400, and the collar2500are fastened to the plate2100via a weld. In other embodiments, any suitable fastener is used to secure the base assembly together.

In the shown embodiment, the base assembly2100includes a plurality of apertures2320disposed throughout. The apertures2320are adapted to allow for water to pass therethrough when moving the base assembly2100through a submerged location. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures2320comprise different diameters. In other embodiments, each aperture comprises a same diameter. In alternate embodiments, other elements of the base assembly include apertures, such as the support arms (as seen inFIG.8) and collar, to allow water to flow therethrough.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the collar of the base assembly and a perspective view of an embodiment of the base assembly in an assembled position, respectively. In the shown embodiment, the collar2500includes an upper end2530having a series of spaced apart vertical retaining plates2540that extend circumferentially thereabout, wherein adjacent retaining plates2540are separated from one another by a recess2550. The retaining plates2540are coextensive with the collar2500at the lower end2520thereof. In the shown embodiment, the number of retaining plates2540are equivalent to the number of support arms2400and the number of weighted housings. The collar2500is adapted to mount to the plate2100over the plurality of support arms2400via the plurality of corresponding slots2510. The slots2510are aligned beneath with the retaining plates2540. In this way, when the support arm2400interlocks with the collar2500via the slots2510, the fin2410and the retaining plate2540terminate at the upper end2530to form a flush end. The fin2410and the retaining plate2540form a “T” shape such that the fin2410abuts a central position of the retaining plate2540and extends perpendicularly thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, each fin2410also abuts the base tube2200when received within the collar2500.

Referring toFIGS.6and7, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of a single weighted housing coupled with the assembled base assembly and a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the weighted housings taken along line7-7ofFIG.6, respectively. In the shown embodiment, the plurality of weighted housings2600are sized to be seated between adjacent support arms2400in the assembled configuration, wherein the plurality of weighted housings2600form sectors about the base tube2200. In the illustrated embodiment, each weighted housing2600comprises an outer shell2610forming a compartment2620adapted to store a weighted object such as fluid or sand. A handle2630is formed by the shell2610for grasping each weighted housing2600. An opening2640is positioned at an upper end of the shell2610, wherein the opening2640in fluid communication with the compartment2620. A cap2650for selectively closing the opening is removably affixed to the opening2640. In alternate embodiments, the weighted housing is entirely enclosed and includes the weighted object disposed within the shell, wherein the weighted object is inaccessible by the user and unable to be removed.

In the illustrated embodiment, each weighted housing is secured to the base assembly via a hook2660. The hook2660is formed by the shell2610which is adapted to be seated over the collar2500and received by the recess2550of the collar2500for semi-permanent fastening. In the illustrated embodiment, a channel2670is disposed on a lateral side of the shell2610and is sized to interlock with one or more of the retaining plates2540of the collar2500. When the hook2660and channel2670is engaged with the collar2500and retaining plates2540, respectively, the weighted housing2600is secured to the collar2500. In one embodiment, the adjacent fins2410abut a corresponding weighted housing2600to laterally position to each sector when mounted to the collar2500via the hook2660. In alternate embodiments, the weighted housing is semi-permanently attached to the collar or other parts of the base assembly by any suitable fastener, such as a magnet, male and female engagement, and the like. In other embodiments, the weighted housing is configured to remain on the plate while in-use due to only the mass of the weighted housing.

Referring toFIG.8, there is shown a perspective view of the umbrella base apparatus in use such that the base assembly is submerged in a pool. In the shown embodiment, the umbrella and base assembly1000are positioned within a pool such that the plate2300is supported on the pool floor. The umbrella and base assembly1000can be used within a pool with or without the weighted housing2600. When the umbrella and base assembly1000are being repositioned within the pool or removed from the pool, the weighted housings2600can be removed individually to expose the apertures of the plate.

In the shown embodiment, the cover and weighted housings are removed from the plate2300. The umbrella1100is secured to the base assembly2100via the elongated pole1200engaging with the base tube2200. The base tube2200comprises a fastener2210extending through a lateral channel for frictionally engaging the pole1200with the base assembly2100via the fastener2210. Each of the plurality of support arms2400comprises a plurality of apertures2440, the apertures2440adapted to allow for water to pass therethrough when moving the base through the submerged location. In some embodiments, a pole mounted table2900is positioned along a longitudinal length of the elongated pole to support drinks, plates, and the like thereon. In some embodiments, the pole mounted table2900is adapted to float at the water surface.