Patent Description:
Large umbrellas and other shade structures assemblies can be very difficult to move without a wheeled base because of the weight and/or shape of the umbrellas. However, wheeled movable bases can be problematic if the wheels allow for unwanted movement. Wind and other forces can move or turn an umbrella out of a desired position, especially when supported on a wheeled base. The <CIT>, <CIT> and the <CIT> disclose devices, which are all directed to the need to move heavy items while also providing a stationary or fixed configuration. All this prior art moves wheels to engage/disengage the frame supporting the wheels from the ground. The present invention solves the problem in a way opposite of the prior art.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a movable base according to independent claim <NUM> that includes a first frame that includes a set of wheels, such as caster wheels. The movable base also includes a second frame that is actuatable relative to the first frame. The second frame includes a plurality of feet or other structures that contact the ground to lift the first frame and the wheels out of the contact with the ground surface and thereby fix the position of the umbrella. A screw actuator couples between the second frame and the first frame to transition the movable base between a braked configuration with the second frame contacting the ground and a movable configuration with the second frame lifted above the ground and the movable base resting on the wheels.

According to the invention, the movable base can include a lever arm that is coupled at one end with a screw of the screw actuator. Rotation of the screw in a first direction can actuate the lever to move the movable base into the braked configuration. Rotation of the screw in the opposite direction can actuate the lever to move the movable base into the movable configuration. The screw actuator can be accessible by a user through an outer cover.

In some embodiments, a movable base has a cowl forming a cover.

In some embodiments, the movable base has a superstructure. The superstructure can be disposed between the cowl or other cover and internal components, such as a frame assembly.

In some embodiments, the movable base can have a superstructure having one or more walls for containing a portion of an actuator. In some embodiments, the movable base can have a superstructure having one or more support surface for containing and/or supporting a portion of the actuator.

In some embodiments, the movable base can have an actuator that comprises a screw having a first end coupled with a lever and a second end having a driver interface. The second end can be accessible at an outside of the cover.

In some embodiments, the movable base can have a transverse member coupled with the lever. The transverse member can have or be coupled with feet at each end thereof. The transverse member can be coupled with shafts or slides of a frame assembly at spaced apart locations between the feet. The transverse member can move along a travel distance within one or more lower channel members upon actuation of an actuator.

Features of the invention can be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying schematic drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. The drawings include the following figures:.

<FIG> show a movable base <NUM>. Although the movable base <NUM> is described herein in terms of an umbrella base, it can alternatively be used in conjunction with other types of shade structures. The movable base <NUM> can be any shape or size such that it provides stability to an attached shade structure. The movable base <NUM> can include a mounting portion <NUM>. The mounting portion <NUM> may be located directly in the center of the movable base <NUM> or elsewhere thereon. The mounting location <NUM> can include an aperture, such as a cylindrical aperture, for receiving a lower end of an upright pole of an umbrella assembly. The mounting location <NUM> can also include one or more apertures for receiving screws that further secure a position of the upright pole. In certain implementations, the movable base <NUM> can include ballast tanks or weights (not shown).

The movable base <NUM> can include an exterior or outer cowl <NUM>. The cowl <NUM> can be removable. When not removed, the cowl <NUM> covers any underlying structures that provide support to the movable base <NUM> and one or more frame members, as discussed further herein. The cowl <NUM> can be made out of a thin plastic material, or other type of material. The cowl <NUM> can include an aperture aligned with the mounting location <NUM>.

The movable base <NUM> includes an actuator that can be accessed through the cowl <NUM>. The actuator is a screw actuator <NUM>. The screw actuator <NUM> can be accessible through an aperture <NUM> in the exterior cowl <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> may include an additional removable or movable cover to block access to the screw actuator <NUM> when not in use. The screw actuator <NUM> can be accessible through an upper side of the cowl <NUM>. In other implementations, the screw actuator <NUM> can be located on a front or side surface of the movable base <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate internal components of the movable base <NUM> with the exterior cowl <NUM> removed for clarity to show a superstructure <NUM>. The superstructure <NUM> can comprise a plurality of support structures that provide rigidity and strength to the movable base <NUM> including the mounting location <NUM>. The superstructure <NUM> can include a plurality of radial and/or circumferential ribs that extend outwardly from the mounting location <NUM> to an outer periphery of the movable base <NUM>. The ribs of the superstructure <NUM> can be vertically oriented and/or include one or more additional linking ribs therebetween. Other configurations for the superstructure <NUM> are also contemplated herein.

The screw actuator <NUM> includes a screw member <NUM> and a matching threaded member, namely a screw plate <NUM>. The screw plate <NUM> can be coupled in a fixed manner with the superstructure <NUM> (or alternatively with a first or fixed frame of the movable base as described below). The screw plate <NUM> can be positioned on a supporting surface, feature projection, slot or other mechanical support or supporting member 114a of the superstructure <NUM> and/or fixed thereto. The supporting member 114a for the screw plate <NUM> can be located between the radial ribs of the superstructure <NUM>. Optionally, the screw plate <NUM> can be fixed to the superstructure <NUM> or to another a rigid structure of the movable base <NUM> by one or more mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts, clasps, or the like. The screw plate <NUM> can include an aperture having one or more threads therein that receive and mate with exterior threads of the screw <NUM>. Accordingly, rotation of the screw <NUM> relative to the screw plate <NUM> cause the linear motion of the screw <NUM> through the plate <NUM>. The screw <NUM> can be mounted vertically and can move along the vertical direction, either up or down, depending on the direction of rotation. The screw <NUM> can extend through an aperture 114b in the supporting member 114a. The lower end of the screw <NUM> engages with a second or movable frame <NUM> of the movable base <NUM>, as described further below.

<FIG> shows the movable base <NUM> with the exterior cowl <NUM> and the superstructure <NUM> removed to illustrate a first or fixed frame <NUM> and a second or movable frame <NUM>. The first frame <NUM> can be generally fixed in one or more locations with the superstructure <NUM>. The superstructure <NUM> can include various internal apertures, spaces, or cavities for receiving therein portions of the first frame <NUM> and/or the second frame <NUM>. The first frame <NUM> can include a plurality of members, such as linear member. The members can be connected to each other and/or the superstructure <NUM> via mechanical fasteners, welding, or other means.

The first frame <NUM> can include a lateral member <NUM>. The lateral member <NUM> can extend between a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM> of the first frame <NUM>. The first side <NUM> can be aligned generally perpendicular to the first member <NUM>. The second side <NUM> can be aligned generally perpendicular to the member <NUM>. Together the first side <NUM>, the second side <NUM> and the lateral member <NUM> can form a U-shape. The U-shape can extend generally along three sides of the movable base <NUM>. Other shapes are possible. For example, the lateral member <NUM> could be in a more central position of the movable base <NUM> providing an I-shape. This configuration would be suitable for an movable base with a higher position of a bottom of the mounting location <NUM>. Also, additional lateral members could be provided to create a quadrilateral (e.g., square) shaped frame assembly.

The first side <NUM> can include an upper member 152a. The upper member 152a can be an upper channel member. The upper member 152a can be generally formed as an elongate rectangular member having a hollow space therein and/or one or more cutout portions. The first side <NUM> can include a first lower member 152b and a second lower member 152c. The first and second lower members 152b, 152c can be connected to each other and/or formed integrally with the upper member 152a. The first and second lower members 152b, 152c can be lower channel members. The first and second lower members 152b, 152c can also be rectangular members having planar upper sides. The planar upper sides can interface and attach with a lower face of the upper member 152a. Each of the first and second lower members 152b, 152c can also include therethrough a hollow space. As discussed further below, the hollow space defined in the first and second lower members 152b, 152c can correspond to a throw or travel distance of a braking assembly disclosed herein. In other words, parts of the second frame <NUM> can move within the first and second lower members 152b, 152c along a path with a first end corresponding to the movable configuration and a second end corresponding to a braked configuration with no or limited rolling or movement. The lateral member <NUM> can be connected with any one or more of the components of the first side <NUM>.

The first side <NUM> can include a first wheel <NUM> and a second wheel <NUM>. The first wheel <NUM> can be connected with the first lower member 152b. The second wheel <NUM> can be connected with the second lower member 152c. The first and second wheels <NUM>, <NUM> can be caster wheels that allow pivoting and rolling of a wheel member. The wheels <NUM>, <NUM> can be connected with lower faces of the respective first and second lower members 152b, 152c. The wheels <NUM>, <NUM> can be connected with one or more faces including or other than the lower faces of the respective first and second lower members 152b, 152c.

The second side <NUM> can have the same configuration as the first side <NUM>. For example, the second side <NUM> can also include an upper member 153a, a first lower member 153b, and/or a second lower member 153c. Each of the members 153a-c can include a hollow space therein and/or be formed as rectangular elongate members. The upper member 153a can include one or more planar faces to which upper planar faces of the first and second lower members 153b, 153c can be attached. A third wheel <NUM> can be attached with the first lower member 153b on a lower surface thereof. A fourth wheel <NUM> can be attached with the second lower member 153c on a lower surface thereof. The third and fourth wheels <NUM>, <NUM> can be caster wheels.

The second frame <NUM> can include a lateral member <NUM>, a first lever member <NUM> and/or a second lever member <NUM>. The lateral member <NUM> and the first and second lever members <NUM>, <NUM> can form a U-shape. More generally, the second frame <NUM> preferably has a pivot or lever arm with a diverging shape such that the end of the frame <NUM> opposite the lateral member <NUM> is wider than adjacent to the lateral member. A V-shaped lever arm of a second frame <NUM> is also possible. The U-shape can extend generally along three sides of the movable base <NUM>. The lateral member <NUM> can be located opposite the lateral member <NUM> on the movable base <NUM>. The first lever member <NUM> can be disposed within the hollow space of the upper member 152a. The lateral member <NUM> can be a lever pivotally coupled about an axis <NUM> (e.g., using a pin or other mechanism). The axis <NUM> can be located within the upper member 152a. A first end of the lever member <NUM> can be connected with the lateral member <NUM> outside of the upper member 152a. A second end of the lever member <NUM> can be engaged with a pivot point <NUM> (e.g., extending through a cutout portion of the upper member 152a).

As discussed further below, the hollow space defined in the upper member 152a can correspond to a pivot distance of the lever arm. In other words, the portion of pivot arm adjacent to the lateral member <NUM> sweeps a circumferential path that is accommodated by the top and bottom inside surface of the upper member 152a a path with a first end of the circumferential path corresponding to a free rolling state and a second end of the circumferential path corresponding to a braked state with no or limited rolling or movement. The height of the internal space of the upper member 152a can be the same as the height of the internal space of the first and second lower members 152b, 152c. The height of the internal space of the upper member 152a can be less than the height of the internal space of the first and second lower members 152b, 152c when the axis <NUM> is closer to the lateral member <NUM> than to the pivot point <NUM>.

The pivot point <NUM> can comprise a cylindrical member to reduce friction with the second end of the lever member <NUM>. The pivot location <NUM> can be coupled with a first translating member <NUM>. The first translating member <NUM> can be configured to move vertically either up and down relative to the first frame <NUM>. The cylindrical member of the pivot point <NUM> can reduce friction with the first translating member <NUM>. The first translating member <NUM> can be disposed within the hollow spaces of the first lower member 152b and/or the second lower member 152c. The first translating member <NUM> can be mounted on slides or shafts, as described further below. The first translating member <NUM> can include first and second feet <NUM>, <NUM>. A first end of the translating member <NUM> can include or be coupled with the first foot <NUM>. A second end of the translating member <NUM> can include or be coupled with the second foot <NUM>. The first and second feet <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the first and second ends of the translating member <NUM> can be disposed outside of, e.g., can each overhang, the respective first and second lower members 152b, 152c. The first foot <NUM> and the second foot <NUM> can be disposed forwardly and rearwardly, respectively, of the first and second wheels <NUM>, <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In other embodiments, one or more of the first and second feet <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed between the respective first and second lower members 152b, 152c. The first translating member <NUM> can be movable in the vertical direction within the hollow space of the first and second lower members 152b, 152c. The lever member <NUM> can be rotatable within the hollow space or at least partially within the hollow space of the upper member 152a about the axis <NUM>. Rotation of the first lever member <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM> in a first direction (e.g., upward) can engage the second end with the pivot location <NUM> to cause downward translation of the first translation member <NUM> and the first and second feet <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the wheels <NUM>, <NUM>. Rotation of the first lever member <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM> in a second direction opposite the first direction (e.g., downward) can cause upward translation of the first translation member <NUM> and the first and second feet <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the wheels <NUM>, <NUM> (or otherwise allow the weight of the umbrella and/or movable base <NUM> to move the wheels <NUM>, <NUM> into contact with a ground surface).

The configuration and operation of the second lever member <NUM> can be similar to or the same as that of the first lever member <NUM>. For example, the second lever member <NUM> can be disposed within the hollow space of the upper member 153a and pivotably coupled therewith by a pin or other mechanism at an axis <NUM> that can extend through the upper member 153a. A first end of the second lever member <NUM> can be connected with the lateral member <NUM> and a second end can be coupled with a second translating member <NUM> at a pivot location <NUM>. The pivot location <NUM> can include a cylindrical member attached with the second translating member <NUM>. The second translating member <NUM> can be disposed within the hollow spaces of the first and second lower members 153b, <NUM>. The second translating member <NUM> can be disposed on slides or shafts that facilitate and enable translation along a vertical direction. The second translating member <NUM> can include a third foot <NUM> and a fourth foot <NUM>. The third and fourth feet <NUM>, <NUM> can be disposed on respective first and second ends of the second translating member <NUM>. The first and second ends and/or the third and fourth feet <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, can be exposed exteriorly to the first and second lower portions 153b, 153c. The third and fourth feet <NUM>, <NUM> can be disposed forwardly and rearwardly of the third and fourth wheels <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. Pivoting of the lever member <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM> in the first direction can move the second translating member <NUM> downwards along the vertical direction to extend the third and fourth feet <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the third and fourth wheels <NUM>, <NUM>. Rotation of the second lever member <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM> in the second direction can cause upward translation of the second translation member <NUM> and the third and fourth feet <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the wheels <NUM>, <NUM> (or otherwise allow the weight of the umbrella and/or movable base <NUM> to move the wheels <NUM>, <NUM> into contact with a ground surface).

As shown in <FIG>, the screw <NUM> can be engaged with the lateral member <NUM> of the second frame <NUM>. The screw <NUM> can be coupled with a pin <NUM> that is received within a slot 131a of the lateral member <NUM>. Accordingly, a direction of rotation of the screw <NUM> (e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise) relative to the screw plate <NUM> can actuate the lateral member <NUM> in the first or second directions to raise of lower the feet relative to the wheels. The lateral member <NUM> connected with the first and second lever members <NUM>, <NUM> can actuate the first and second translation member <NUM>, <NUM> to raise/lower the feet <NUM>-<NUM>. Thus, the second frame <NUM> and the first frame <NUM>, as well as the feet <NUM>-<NUM> and the screw <NUM> and other corresponding components comprise portions of a braking assembly of the umbrella assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the movable base <NUM> in the fixed or braked configuration eliminating or limiting movement, while <FIG> shows the movable base <NUM> in the movable configuration. In the movable configuration, the first and second translating members <NUM>, <NUM> can be in a raised position that raises the feet <NUM>-<NUM> relative to the wheels <NUM>-<NUM> (disengaged position). The feet <NUM>-<NUM> can be raised above the lowermost surface of one or all of the wheels <NUM>, <NUM>. In the fixed or braked configuration, the wheels <NUM>-<NUM> can be lifted off the ground surface and/or some or all of the weight of the movable base <NUM> is shifted to the feet <NUM>-<NUM> (engaged position). Friction between ground surface and the feet <NUM>-<NUM> can be greatly increased relative to friction between the wheels <NUM> and the ground surface (if still touching the ground surface). The movable base <NUM> can be in the fixed or braked configuration while supported at least partially on the feet <NUM>-<NUM> alone. The second frame <NUM> can be actuated from the movable configuration to the braked configuration by rotation of the screw <NUM> in a first direction to actuate the second frame <NUM>. The second frame <NUM> can be actuated from the braked configuration to the movable configuration by rotation of the screw <NUM> in a second direction to actuate the second frame <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the lower members 152b-c and 153b-c removed for clarity. The first frame <NUM> can include sliding shafts <NUM> and <NUM>, and <NUM> and <NUM> along which the first and second translating members <NUM>, <NUM> can translate, respectively. The first shaft <NUM> can be connected with the first end of the upper member 152a and extend through and/or connect with the first lower member 152b. Accordingly, an end portion of the sliding shaft <NUM> can be disposed within the hollow space of the first lower member 152b. The first translating member <NUM> can include an aperture that is received through which the sliding pin <NUM> is received to allow vertical translation of the translating member <NUM>. Similarly, the second sliding shaft <NUM> can be coupled with the second end of the upper member 152a and/or the second lower member 152c and disposed within the hollow space therein. An aperture of the first translating member <NUM> can receive the second sliding shaft <NUM>. Similarly, the third and fourth sliding shafts <NUM>, <NUM> can be coupled with the upper member 153a and located within the respective first and second lower members 153b, 153c. Apertures of the second translating member <NUM> can receive the sliding shafts <NUM>, <NUM> to facilitate vertical translation.

Claim 1:
A movable base (<NUM>) comprising:
a first frame assembly (<NUM>) including a plurality of wheels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a second frame assembly (<NUM>) coupled with the first frame assembly (<NUM>) and including a plurality of feet (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a screw actuator (<NUM>) including a screw member (<NUM>) and a screw plate (<NUM>);
characterized in that the screw actuator (<NUM>) is coupled with a lever (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the second frame assembly (<NUM>) such that rotation of the screw member (<NUM>) in a first direction actuates the lever (<NUM>, <NUM>) to cause the feet (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to translate downward relative to the wheels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and wherein translation of the feet (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) downward lifts the wheels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) off a ground surface, and rotation of the screw member (<NUM>) in a second direction actuates the lever (<NUM>, <NUM>) to cause the feet (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to translate upward relative to the wheels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) allowing the weight of the moveable base (<NUM>) to cause the wheels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to contact the ground surface;
and in that in a fixed configuration, the feet (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are at or below a lowermost level of the wheels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and in a movable configuration the feet (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are raised above a lowermost surface of the wheels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).