Abstract
The present invention is primarily directed to improvements of a support assembly having a versatile structure capable of use with a variety of different products, devices, etc. intended for outdoor and/or indoor use such as, but not limited to, furniture, and/or umbrella or shade structures. The support assembly includes a body, preferably having an elongated configuration and a plurality of connector structures fixedly connected in outwardly extending, collectively surrounding relation thereto. The plurality of connector structures movably and removably interconnect one or more inserts in overlying relation to an outer surface of the body and along a length thereof. When the body is structured to define a support pole for an umbrella assembly, the plurality of connectors extend outwardly from the one or more inserts in movable engagement with a canopy activating hub, thereby maintaining a spacing between the hub and the inserts, concurrent to travel of the hub along the length of the body.
Claims
1. A support assembly structured for indoor and outdoor use, said support assembly comprising: a body including an elongated configuration, a plurality of connector structures mounted on said body and extending outwardly therefrom in spaced relation to one another, at least one insert disposed in overlying relation to an outer surface of said body, and adjacent ones of said plurality of connector structures interconnecting said at least one insert in said overlying relation.
2. The support assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said adjacent ones of said plurality of connector structures are disposed in outwardly extending relation to an outer surface of said at least one insert.
3. The support assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said adjacent connector structures include a primary segment and a flange segment; said primary segment secured to said elongated body and said flange segment secured to said primary segment.
4. The support assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein each of said flange segments of said adjacent ones of said plurality of connector structures is concurrently disposed in supporting engagement with said at least one insert.
5. The support assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein each of said adjacent ones of said plurality of connectors includes said primary segment having a distal end disposed outwardly from said at least one insert, concurrent to said flange segment thereof disposed in connecting engagement with a peripheral portion of said at least one insert.
6. The support assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein at least one peripheral portion of said at least one insert is cooperatively configured with a correspondingly disposed one of said adjacent connectors to define a tongue and groove connection therebetween.
7. The support assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein opposite peripheral portions of said at least one insert is cooperatively configured with said flange segments of said adjacent ones of said plurality of connectors to define a movable and removable tongue and groove connections therebetween.
8. The support assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of inserts; said plurality of connector structures connecting said plurality of inserts in overlying relation to correspondingly disposed sections of said outer surface of said elongated body.
9. The support assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein each of said plurality of connector structures comprises a primary segment and a flange segment, said primary segment integrally secured to said body and extending radially outward therefrom; each of said flange segments extending laterally outward from a respective one of said primary segments in connected engagement with correspondingly positioned, adjacent ones of said plurality of inserts.
10. The support assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein opposite peripheral edges of said each of said plurality inserts are cooperatively configured with said flange segment of adjacent ones of said plurality of connectors to define a removable tongue and groove connection therebetween.
11. The support assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said elongated body comprises a sidewall having at least one mounting segment, said at least one mounting segment including a greater thickness than a remainder of said sidewall.
12. The support assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein at least one of said plurality of inserts includes a recess, said at least one mounting segment disposed within said recess concurrent to disposition of said at least one insert in said overlying relation.
13. A support assembly structured for integration in an umbrella assembly having a canopy activating hub, said support assembly comprising: a body having an elongated configuration and defining a support pole of the umbrella assembly, a plurality of spaced apart connector structures connected to said body in collectively surrounding relation thereto, a plurality of inserts; said plurality of connector structures connecting said plurality of inserts in overlying relation to an outer surface of said body, and said plurality of connector structures extending at least partially outwardly from said plurality of inserts in a visually observable disposition.
14. The support assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said plurality of connector structures and said plurality of inserts extend along a length of said body equivalent to at least a majority of a path of travel of the hub on said body, concurrent to activation of the canopy.
15. The support assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said plurality of connector structures include a distal outwardly spaced relation to said plurality of inserts in movable engagement with the hub, concurrent to activation of the canopy.
16. The support assembly as recited in claim 15 wherein each of said plurality of connector structures comprises a primary segment and a flange segment, said primary segment integrally secured to said body and including said distal end extending outwardly from said elongated body and said plurality of inserts; each of said flange segments extending laterally outward from a respective one of said primary segments in connected engagement with adjacent, correspondingly positioned ones of said plurality of inserts.
17. The support assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said flange segment of adjacent ones of said plurality of connectors are disposed in connecting engagement with a common one of said plurality of inserts.
18. The support assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein opposite peripheral edges of said each of said plurality inserts are cooperatively configured with said flange segment of adjacent ones of said plurality of connectors to define a tongue and groove connection therebetween.
19. The support assembly as recited in claim 18 wherein each of said tongue and groove connections define a removable connection between said plurality of inserts and said plurality of connectors.
20. The support assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said body comprises a sidewall having at least one mounting segment, said at least one mounting segment including a greater thickness than a remainder of said sidewall; at least one of said plurality of inserts includes a recess, said at least one mounting segment disposed within said at least one recess concurrent to disposition of said at least one insert in said overlying relation.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description of the invention, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outdoor umbrella assembly of the type usable in combination with the support assembly of the present invention when embodied in the form of a support pole thereof.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view in detail of a canopy activating hub and associated components of the type usable with the umbrella assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and the support assembly in the form of a support pole of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view in section of the support assembly of the present invention in at least partially assembled form.
[0024] FIG. 3A is a perspective view in section of the embodiment of FIG. 3 in an assembled form.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 3A.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a detail, transverse sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a detail view of an insert component as represented in the embodiments of FIGS. 3, 3A and 4.
[0028] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION IN ONE OR MORE EMBODIMENTS
[0029] As represented in the accompanying Figures, the present invention is directed to a support assembly 12. With specific reference to FIGS. 3, 3A-6 the support assembly 12 and the various components thereof define a versatile structure which may be used in a variety of different structures, products, components, devices, etc. each or at least some of which may be used in both an indoor environment and an outdoor environment. As represented the support assembly 12 may be formed from an extruded aluminum material or from a variety of other materials, formed by a variety of different manufacturing techniques. Also, while the support assembly 12 is represented as an elongated cylindrical configuration having a curvilinear exterior surface, the shape of the support assembly 12 may vary from that represented and vary from an elongated cylindrical configuration with a substantially circular exterior surface and transverse cross-section to a curvilinear exterior surface and cross-section that is other than circular.
[0030] For purposes of clarity and consistency the support assembly 12 of the present invention will be described in greater detail hereinafter as being embodied in a support pole, also represented as 12, for an outdoor umbrella generally indicated as 10, of the type represented in FIGS. 1 and 2. Accordingly, the outdoor umbrella assembly 10 typically includes support assembly of FIGS. 3 and 3A as the elongated support pole 12 having a lowermost end thereof commonly secured to a base 14 or other type of support structure or anchor, which is disposed on or in the ground, pavement, floor, or other supporting surface. As also shown in FIG. 1, an uppermost end of the support pole 12 is connected in supporting relation to an umbrella canopy 16.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 2, the umbrella canopy 16 may be movably mounted on or otherwise connected to the support pole 12. The umbrella canopy is preferably structured and disposed to be movable between an outwardly expanded, open and operable orientation to provide shade and a collapsed, closed orientation for storage purposes when not in use, through movement or travel of a hub 20 along a length of the support pole 12. Accordingly, activation of the canopy 16 between the aforementioned opened or closed orientation comprises movement of the hub 20, typically in a reciprocal fashion, such as upwardly or downwardly, along the length of the support pole 12, as schematically represented by directional arrow 100 in FIG. 2. As is also generally known, activation of the canopy 16 between the open and closed positions is accomplished by a plurality of operative components, including a plurality of ribs 22 engaging an undersurface or other appropriate portion of the canopy 16 and being movably connected to an upper hub 24, attached to an uppermost end of the support pole 12. In addition, a plurality of struts 26 are pivotally connected to the lower hub 20, as at 28, at their inner most end, with an outermost end of the struts 26 being movably connected to individual ones of the ribs 22. Due to the cooperative structuring and movable interconnection between the operative components, including the plurality of ribs 22 and the plurality of struts 26, the umbrella canopy 16 is activated for movement between the aforementioned opened and closed orientations, by movement 100 of the lower hub 20 in either an upward or downward direction, along the length of the pole 12.
[0032] It is emphasized that FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate only one type of umbrella 10 assembly with which the support assembly of the present invention, when embodied in the support pole 12, may be utilized. More specifically, the support assembly 12 of the present invention is suitable for use with other types of umbrellas, with a central support pole or other supporting structure, and is also suitable for use with outdoor furniture including support structures such as but not limited to cabanas, chairs, tables, sofas and chaises. It is also emphasized that the structural and operative features associated with the umbrella assembly 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, are representative only, and do not comprise the only structural features or the precise structural features associated with an umbrella assembly, with which the support pole 12 of the present invention may be utilized.
[0033] Accordingly, and in at least one embodiment, the present invention is directed to the support assembly in the form of and defining a support pole 12 for an outdoor umbrella assembly 10 of the type having an umbrella canopy 16, a hub 20 and other associated components, such as but not limited to the type represented in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is also to be noted that as used herein, the terms “canopy activating hub”, “activation of the canopy” and similar and/or substantially equivalent terminology refers to the canopy 16 being disposed between an outwardly extending, expanded and open orientation and an inwardly disposed, collapsed and closed orientation. As such, activating disposition of the canopy 16 between the open and closed orientations is accomplished by movement of the hub 20 upwardly or downwardly along a portion of the length of the support pole 112. Therefore, movement 100 of the hub 20 relative to the support pole 112 in this manner accurately describes the “canopy activating hub” and/or “activation of the canopy”.
[0034] With reference now to FIGS. 3, 3A and 4-6, illustrated is a section of a support assembly/support pole 12 having an elongated body 30 which preferably extends along the entire length of the support pole 12. Further, the elongated body 30 may be formed of a metal material, combination of metal materials, aluminum, or other material having sufficient strength and rigidity to support the umbrella canopy 16, hub 20, and the associated operative components 22-28, or their equivalents, as represented in FIG. 2. The elongated body 30 may by formed by extrusion or another manufacturing techniques suitable for use with the selected material(s). Additionally, and as best shown in FIGS. 3, 3A—6, the elongated body 30 will have an outer surface 32 which, in at least one embodiment, comprises a generally cylindrical configuration, and further, may also include a hollow interior.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 5, the elongated body 30 of the present invention can include a plurality of connector structures 36 that extend radially outwardly from the outer surface 32 thereof. Each of the connector structures 36 may be integrally or fixedly secured to the elongated body 30, and as illustrated, may be disposed in spaced relation to one another in outwardly, collectively surrounding relation to the body 30. In at least one embodiment, and for reasons described in further detail herein, the plurality of connector structures 36 are preferably, but not necessarily, equally spaced from one another. Also, while the plurality of connector structures 36 are represented in FIGS. 3 through 6 as being four in number, the actual number may vary and may be more practically defined by the outer dimensions of the elongated body 30 of the support pole 12 (or other structure). Moreover, the cooperative structuring between the plurality of connector structures 36 and the elongated body 30, if formed to be integral therewith should also serve to strengthen or offer a support pole 12 with enhanced strength.
[0036] With reference again to FIGS. 3, 3A and 4, the present invention additionally comprises at least one, but preferably and more practically, a plurality of inserts 40 operatively disposed in overlying relation to the outer surface 32 of the elongated body 30. When operatively disposed in the manner represented in at least FIGS. 3 and 3A, the one or more inserts 40 at least partially define an outer facing of the support pole 12. Moreover, the operative disposition of the one or more inserts or inserts 40 on the body 30 is accomplished by interconnection with the plurality of connector structures 36 and being slidably disposed into abutting relation on the elongated body 30. The present invention contemplates that the plurality of inserts 40 can be formed from a variety of different materials, whether in whole or in part. The different types of materials can include, but is not limited to various types of wood, wood veneers, metals, chrome, plastic, composites, polymers, etc. which may be highly decorative and aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, when a plurality of inserts 40 are disposed in an operative disposition overlying, covering the outer surface 32 of the elongated body 30, as represented in at least FIGS. 3 and 3A, they may be formed of a common material and have a substantially common decorative appearance, for instance to give the appearance that the support pole 12 is formed from a nearly solid piece of wood. Alternatively, each of the plurality of inserts 40 may have somewhat different or individualized decorative appearances, thereby enhancing the versatility of the aesthetics of the support pole 12. As another example, the inserts 40 may include wood veneer on alternating ones with a chrome or decorative metal or plastic material formed on the intervening inserts.
[0037] As set forth above, the plurality of connector structures 36 may be evenly spaced from one another in collectively surrounding relation to the elongated body 30. In cooperation therewith, each of the plurality of inserts 40 may also have a substantially common transverse dimension, substantially equal to the spacing between adjacent ones of the plurality of connector structures 36 in order to realize reduced production costs. More specifically, the cost of producing the plurality of inserts 40 may be reduced, in embodiments where they have at least partially common dimensions and/or configurations. The ability to have at least partially common dimensions and/or configurations is due, at least in part, to the equal spacing between the connector structures 36, as set forth above.
[0038] Also, in accordance with the present invention, each of the plurality of connector structures 36 will preferably be cooperatively dimensioned, configured and structured to include engaging portions for interconnection with the plurality of inserts 40. For example, and as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in at least one embodiment, the connector structures 36 include a primary segment 42 extending radially outward from the elongated body 30. Further, the longitudinal dimension of the primary segment 42 is such as to dispose an outer, distal end 44, outwardly and away from the surface 32 of the body 30 (shown in FIG. 3) and also outwardly from the exposed surface 40′ of the one or more inserts 40. In at least one embodiment, the primary segment 42 associated with one or more of the plurality of connector structures 36 preferably also includes a lateral segment 48 integrally connected to the primary segment 42 and extending transversely outward therefrom. Preferably, each lateral segment 48 associated with a connecting structure 36 is cooperatively disposed, dimensioned and configured to movably engage and retain a correspondingly disposed peripheral edge, generally indicated as 54 in FIG. 6, of the one or more inserts 40 being removably mounted in an operative position on the body 30, as represented in FIGS. 3 and 3A. Such cooperative structuring between the lateral segment 48 and the corresponding peripheral edges 54 of the inserts 40 may be at least partially defined by a movable tongue and groove connection, as represented in detail in at least FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0039] More specifically, and with reference to the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, each of the lateral segments 48 include two sections or “tongues” 49 and 50 extending transversely outward from the length of the primary segment 42, in opposite directions. Each of these sections or tongues 49 and 50 are cooperatively disposed, dimensioned and configured to be movably received within elongated grooves 56, integrally formed in the peripheral edges 54 of each of the one or more inserts 40, as shown in FIG. 6. Accordingly, a movable tongue and groove connection, defined by one of the tongues 49 or 50 being movably disposed in retaining engagement within a correspondingly disposed one of the grooves 56, serves to define the aforementioned “tongue and groove” connection. Also, each of the tongues 49 and 50 may be equivalently structured thereby facilitating tongues 49 and 50 of the adjacent but spaced apart connectors 36 being movably and removably connected to a common insert 40. Similarly, adjacent ones of the inserts 40 may be partially connected to the body 30 by tongues 49 and 50 of a common connector structure 36 being connected to peripheral edges 54 of different, adjacent ones of the plurality of inserts 40.
[0040] Moreover, the movable “tongue and groove” connection is structured to removably interconnect each of the one or more inserts 40 in the intended operative position, in overlying relation to an outer surface 32 of the elongated body 30 of the support pole 12. The sliding or movable and removable structuring facilitated by the aforementioned tongue and groove connection is schematically represented by directional arrow 102 in FIG. 3. As also set forth above, the movable and removable connection of the one or more inserts 40 in the operative position, overlying the outer surface 32 of the body 30, facilitates removal and/or replacement of each of the one or more inserts 40. Such removal and replacement may be the result of damage to the one or more inserts 40 or a desire to change the decorative appearance of the support pole 112.
[0041] As indicated, the length of the support pole 12 may extend from a base 14 at its lower end to supporting attachment with an umbrella canopy 16 at its upper end, as discussed in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Further, the plurality of inserts 40 and the plurality of connector structures 36 may also extend along at least a majority of a length of the support pole 12 and in some instances, almost along the entirety of the length thereof. However, it is emphasized that due to the possibility of removal of the plurality of inserts 40, for the reasons set forth in greater detail hereinafter, the plurality of inserts 40 and the plurality of connector structures 36 may extend along a length of the support pole 12 substantially equal to or in the alternative somewhat less than the length of the path of travel of the hub 20 along the support pole 12 as it activates the canopy 16 between the aforementioned open and closed orientations. In some practical applications, it is recognized that in order to remove one or more of the plurality of inserts 40 from between the plurality of connectors 36, the hub 20 may have to be disposed and/or forced into a position which does not cover or overlie the one or more inserts 40.
[0042] With reference again to FIG. 4, as well as to FIG. 2, another feature of the support pole 12 is its interaction with the hub 20 as it moves along a length of the support pole 12 during activation of the canopy 16 between the open and closed orientations. More specifically, and as indicated, the distal end 44 of each of the primary segments 42 extends outwardly from the outer surface 40′ of adjacent ones of the inserts 40. As a result, when the umbrella canopy 16 is activated due to the movement, upwardly or downwardly, of the hub 20 along a length of the support pole 12, the distal ends 44 of the plurality of connector structures 36 will movably engage the inner surface of the hub 20, which is schematically represented as 20′ in FIG. 4. Therefore, the hub 20 and its inner surface 20′ will be continuously spaced outwardly from the exposed surface 40′ of the plurality of inserts 40. This outward disposition of the hub 20 relative to the exposed surfaces 40′ of the plurality of inserts 40, during movement of the hub to activate the umbrella canopy 16 between open and closed orientations, is beneficial and should prevent any direct contact between the inner surface 20′ of the hub 20 and the outer, exposed surface 40′ of the plurality of inserts 40. As a result, what might otherwise be scratching of, abrasive engagement with, or similar damage to the decorative and outer surfaces 40′ of the plurality of inserts 40 should be completely eliminated or significantly restricted, during movement of the hub 20 along the length of the support pole 12.
[0043] With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the elongated body 30 may further include at least one mounting segment 60 integrally formed in the side wall thereof. As shown, this mounting segment 60 may have a greater thickness than other portions of the corresponding sidewall, between adjacent connector structures 36. The increased thickness, structure and placement of the mounting segment 60 allow for drilling, cutting, or other formation of the elongated body 30 and its profiled sidewalls which in turn, enables attachment of a variety of different decorative structures such as inserts 40 to the body 30. In cooperation therewith, and as shown in FIG. 6, an inner surface 40″ of the one or more inserts 40 may include an elongated recess 62 formed therein. The elongated recess 62 is cooperatively dimensioned, configured and disposed to receive the mounting segment 60 therein, concurrent to the corresponding insert 40 being disposed in its operative position, overlying the exterior surface 32 of the elongated body 30.
[0044] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. As just one example, the present invention has been described primarily relative to use on a central support pole for an umbrella assembly, but this invention is also particularly well suited for use with other support structures, such as vertical columns used to form an outdoor cabana, or outdoor furniture, such as chair legs, chair arms, table legs, and the like. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
