Abstract
Umbrella support structures are described. The support structures may be used to support compact umbrellas that require less vertical movement of parts, provide more ground clearance, are easier to expand and retract (especially expand), and/or provide other benefits. The support structures may also be used to support non-compact (e.g., conventional) umbrellas. Various embodiments of the umbrella support structures include a primary spreader member; a primary spreader member, a secondary spreader member, and a tertiary spreader member; or an extended spreader member. The reduction in vertical movement of various umbrella support structure elements and embodiments enables the use of mechanical assistance mechanisms (e.g., linear actuators or pulleys) to expand and retract the support structures.
Claims
1. An umbrella support structure, comprising: a pole having a first upper end opposite a first lower end; a set of coupling structures configured for attachment to the pole, the set of coupling structures including a first coupling structure, a second coupling structure, and a third coupling structure, the first coupling structure rigidly coupled to the first upper end of the pole, the second coupling structure positioned for attachment to the pole between the first coupling structure and the third coupling structure, and at least the second coupling structure and the third coupling structure configured for axially-restricted movement along an axis defined by or parallel to the pole; and at least one retractable articulated support arm including, a suspension member having a second upper end opposite a second lower end, the second upper end of the suspension member pivotally coupled to the first coupling structure; a support member having a third upper end opposite a third lower end, the support member pivotally coupled to the second lower end of the suspension member between the third upper end and the third lower end of the support member, and the third lower end pivotally coupled to the third coupling structure; and a primary spreader member having a fourth upper end opposite a fourth lower end, the fourth upper end pivotally coupled to the second coupling structure, and the fourth lower end pivotally coupled to the support member between the third upper end and the third lower end of the support member.
2. The umbrella support structure of claim 1, further comprising: an umbrella canopy supporting rib structure having at least two hubs central to the umbrella canopy supporting rib structure, wherein a hub of the at least two hubs has an attachment feature pivotally coupled to the third upper end of the support member.
3. The umbrella support structure of claim 1, wherein at least the third coupling structure includes rollers that are external to the pole.
4. The umbrella support structure of claim 3, further comprising a linear actuator coupled to the second coupling structure, the linear actuator configured to move the second coupling structure directly and move the third coupling structure indirectly.
5. The umbrella support structure of claim 1, further comprising a track coupled to the pole, wherein at least the second coupling structure includes rollers internal to the track.
6. The umbrella support structure of claim 5, further comprising a linear actuator coupled to the second coupling structure, the linear actuator configured to move the second coupling structure directly and move the third coupling structure indirectly.
7. The umbrella support structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one retractable articulated support arm further comprises: a secondary spreader member having a fifth upper end opposite a fifth lower end, the secondary spreader member pivotally coupled to the support member between the fifth upper end and the fifth lower end of the secondary spreader member and between the third upper end of the support member and the second lower end of the suspension member; and a tertiary spreader member having a sixth upper end opposite a sixth lower end, the sixth upper end of the tertiary spreader member pivotally coupled to the fifth upper end of the secondary spreader member, and the tertiary spreader member pivotally coupled to the primary spreader member between the sixth upper end and the sixth lower end of the tertiary spreader member and between the fourth upper end and the fourth lower end of the primary spreader member.
8. The umbrella support structure of claim 7, further comprising: an umbrella canopy supporting rib structure having at least two hubs central to the umbrella canopy supporting rib structure, wherein a first hub of the at least two hubs has a first attachment feature pivotally coupled to the third upper end of the support member, and a second hub of the at least two hubs has a second attachment feature pivotally coupled to the fifth lower end of the secondary spreader member.
9. The umbrella support structure of claim 7, wherein at least the third coupling structure includes rollers that are external to the pole.
10. The umbrella support structure of claim 9, further comprising a linear actuator coupled to the second coupling structure, the linear actuator configured to move the second and third coupling structures.
11. The umbrella support structure of claim 7, further comprising a track coupled to the pole, wherein at least the second coupling structure includes rollers internal to the track.
12. The umbrella support structure of claim 11, further comprising a linear actuator coupled to the second coupling structure, the linear actuator configured to move the second and third coupling structures.
13. An umbrella support structure, comprising: a pole having a first upper end opposite a first lower end; a set of coupling structures configured for attachment to the pole, the set of coupling structures including a first coupling structure, a second coupling structure, and a third coupling structure, the first coupling structure rigidly coupled to the first upper end of the pole, the second coupling structure positioned for attachment to the pole between the first coupling structure and the third coupling structure, and at least the second coupling structure and the third coupling structure configured for axially-restricted movement along an axis defined by or parallel to the pole; at least one retractable articulated support arm including, a suspension member having a second upper end opposite a second lower end, the second upper end of the suspension member pivotally coupled to the first coupling structure; a support member having a third upper end opposite a third lower end, the support member pivotally coupled to the second lower end of the suspension member between the third upper end and the third lower end of the support member, and the third lower end pivotally coupled to the third coupling structure; and an extended spreader member having a fourth upper end opposite a fourth lower end, the fourth upper end pivotally coupled to the second coupling structure and the extended spreader member coupled to the support member between the third upper end and the third lower end of the support member and between the fourth upper end and the fourth lower end of the extended spreader member; and a linear actuator coupled to the second coupling structure, the linear actuator configured to move the second and third coupling structures.
14. The umbrella support structure of claim 13, further comprising: an umbrella canopy supporting rib structure having at least two hubs central to the umbrella canopy supporting rib structure, wherein an upper hub of the at least two hubs is pivotally coupled to the third upper end of the support member, and a lower hub of the at least two hubs is pivotally coupled to the fourth lower end of the extended spreader member.
15. The umbrella support structure of claim 13, wherein at least the third coupling structure includes rollers that are external to the pole.
16. The umbrella support structure of claim 13, further comprising a track coupled to the pole, wherein at least the second coupling structure includes rollers internal to the track.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like or similar structural elements, and in which:
[0017] FIGS. 1-14 illustrate examples of a retractable support structure having a primary spreader member, a secondary spreader member, and a tertiary spreader member.
[0018] FIGS. 15-20 illustrate examples of a retractable support structure having a primary spreader member.
[0019] FIGS. 21-28 illustrate examples of a retractable support structure having an extended spreader member.
[0020] It should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an example of an umbrella support structure 100. Structure 100 includes a pole 101, a set of coupling structures configured for attachment to (or attached to) the pole 101, and a retractable articulated support arm 102. In some embodiments, the set of coupling structures may include a first coupling structure 113, a second coupling structure 115, and a third coupling structure 117. The retractable articulated support arm 102 may include a suspension member 103, a support member 104, and a primary spreader member 105.
[0022] The first, second, and third coupling structures 113, 115, 117 may be attached to the pole 101 with the first coupling structure 113 attached closest to a first upper end 121 of the pole 101, and the second coupling structure 115 positioned between the first coupling structure 113 and the third coupling structure 117. The first upper end 121 of the pole 101 is opposite a first lower end 122 of the pole 101. In some embodiments, the first coupling structure 113 may be rigidly (or fixedly) coupled to the first upper end 121 of the pole 101, and the second and third coupling structures 115, 117 may be configured for axially-restricted movement along an axis 123 defined by or parallel to the pole 101.
[0023] As examples only, the first coupling structure 113 is shown to include a pair of parallel plates that are fastened to the first upper end 121 of the pole 101 by bolts or other fasteners (or welded or otherwise attached to the pole 101). The first coupling structure 113 may alternately be configured similarly to the second and third coupling structures 115, 117, or in other ways. The second and third coupling structures 115, 117 may take the form of hubs made of plastic, or hubs made of metal and having plastic inner sleeves or inner-facing rollers, ball bearings, or other forms.
[0024] The suspension member 103 of the retractable articulated support arm 102 may have a second upper end opposite a second lower end, with the second upper end pivotally coupled at 112 to the first coupling structure 113. The support member 104 of the retractable articulated support arm 102 may have a third upper end opposite a third lower end, with the support member 104 pivotally coupled at 108 to the second lower end of the suspension member 103 between the third upper end and the third lower end of the support member 104, and with the third lower end of the support member 104 pivotally coupled at 116 to the third coupling structure 117. The primary spreader member 105 of the retractable articulated support arm 102 may have a fourth upper end opposite a fourth lower end, with the fourth upper end pivotally coupled at 114 to the second coupling structure 115, and with the fourth lower end pivotally coupled at 108 to the support member 104, between the third upper end and the third lower end of the support member 104.
[0025] In some embodiments, the retractable articulated support arm 102 may also include a secondary spreader member 106 and a tertiary spreader member 107. The secondary spreader member 106 may have a fifth upper end opposite a fifth lower end, with the secondary spreader member 106 pivotally coupled at 109 to the support member 104 between the fifth upper end and the fifth lower end of the secondary spreader member 106 and between the third upper end of the support member 104 and the second lower end of the suspension member 103. The tertiary spreader member 107 may have a sixth upper end opposite a sixth lower end, with the sixth upper end of the tertiary spreader member 107 pivotally coupled at 110 to the fifth upper end of the secondary spreader member 106, and with the tertiary spreader member 107 pivotally coupled at 111 to the primary spreader member 105, between the sixth upper end and the sixth lower end of the tertiary spreader member 107 and between the fourth upper end and the fourth lower end of the primary spreader member 105.
[0026] Second and third coupling structures 115 and 117, respectively, move toward each other during expansion of retractable articulated support arm 102, and away from each other during retraction of retractable articulated support arm 102. Free end 118 (or third upper end) of support member 104 and free end 119 (or fifth lower end) of secondary spreader member 106, respectively, move toward each other during expansion of retractable articulated support arm 102, and away from each other during retraction of retractable articulated support arm 102. The distance between free ends 118 and 119 of support member 104 and secondary spreader member 106, respectively, can be configured independently of the distance between coupling structures 115 and 117 by adjusting the lengths of secondary spreader member 106 and tertiary spreader member 107 and locations of pivot points 109 and 111.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a side-by-side comparison of umbrella support structure 100 in a fully retracted position and a fully expanded position. The change in position of second coupling structure 115 when moved from a fully retracted position to a fully expanded position is referred to herein as travel distance A. The change in position of third coupling structure 117 when moved from a fully retracted position to a fully expanded position is referred to herein as travel distance B. It is a feature common to every embodiment herein that travel distance A is significantly shorter than travel distance B. The vertical change in position of the center of mass of offset umbrellas supported by retractable articulated support arm 102, (approximated by the height of pivot point 109) when moved from a fully retracted position to a fully expanded position is referred to herein as travel distance C. It is a feature of retractable articulated support arm 102 that travel distance C can be minimized, which minimizes the work needed to expand and retract the articulated support arm. Retractable articulated support arm 102 can be manually expanded by raising third coupling structure 117 or, in some cases more easily, by briefly pushing support member 104 laterally away from the pole (slightly below pivot point 108) while raising third coupling structure 117 vertically in a motion herein referred to as lean and lift. Retractable articulated support arm 102 can be manually retracted by pulling support member 104 down vertically (slightly above point 116) or by pulling third coupling structure 117 down vertically.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a linear actuator (e.g., a mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic device creating linear motion) 300 that may be mounted to the exterior of the pole 101 of umbrella support structure 100 by attachment feature 301 at 302 (see, e.g., FIG. 3 RETRACTED) or, alternatively, to an external base at 302 (see, e.g., FIG. 3 EXPANDED). An extension member 303 may be coupled to second coupling structure 115 at 304 and to linear actuator 300 at 305. Alternatively, linear actuator 300 may be coupled directly to second coupling structure 115 at 304. In either case, the linear actuator 300 may be configured to move the second coupling structure 115 directly (e.g., whether the linear actuator 300 is coupled to the second coupling structure 115 directly or via the extension member 303, the linear actuator 300 does not couple to the second coupling structure 115 via another element of the umbrella support structure 100) and move the third coupling structure 117 indirectly (e.g., via the components of the at least one retractable articulated support arm 102, which components couple the third coupling structure 117 to the second coupling structure 115). Connecting linear actuator 300 to a power source and controller allows for automation of retractable articulated support arm 102, such that retracting the shaft 306 of linear actuator 300 expands retractable articulated support arm 102 and extending the shaft 306 of linear actuator 300 retracts retractable articulated support arm 102. The stroke (i.e., shaft travel distance) of linear actuator 300 is equal to travel distance A of second coupling structure 115. As the overall length of a linear actuator is at least twice its stroke length to allow for retraction of its shaft, the significantly shorter travel distance A compared to travel distance B, and higher position of second coupling structure 115 with respect to third coupling structure 117, allow for the use of a linear actuator, which fits within the structure. Another means of mechanically assisted operation is a lead screw, worm gear, and crank system, wherein a lead screw is coupled to second coupling structure 115 with or without extension member 303 and a crank (not shown) may be used to turn the gear that moves the screw such that turning the crank one direction draws second and third coupling structures 115 and 117 together and turning the crank the opposite direction draws second and third coupling structures 115 and 117 apart. Any crank-assisted operating mechanism installed to second coupling structure 115 will require fewer cranks than a crank-assisted operating mechanism installed to third coupling structure 117, due to the shorter travel distance A compared to travel distance B. Still another means of mechanically assisted operation is a block and tackle system wherein one or more blocks (i.e., pulleys) are installed between second and third coupling structures 115 and 117, or second coupling structure 115 and the base of pole 101, and a cord runs between the blocks such that pulling on the cord draws second and third coupling structures 115 and 117 together and releasing the cord allows gravity to draw second and third coupling structures 115 and 117 apart.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates an expanded umbrella support structure 400 (e.g., an expansion of the umbrella support structure 100 described with reference to FIG. 1) that may be used to support an umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 401 having at least two hubs 402, 403 central to the rib structure 401. The retractable articulated support arm 102 described with reference to FIG. 1 may function as one of the ribs 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409 (e.g., rib 407) of the rib structure 401, and free ends 118 and 119 of support member 104 and secondary spreader member 106, respectively, may be pivotally coupled to an upper hub 402 and lower hub 403 of umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 401 by attachment features 410 and 411 (e.g., one or more metal angle brackets), respectively. In alternative embodiments, the retractable articulated support arm 102 described with reference to FIG. 1 may be incorporated into the structure 400 as an addition to the rib structure 401. Second and third coupling structures 115 and 117 moving toward each other expands retractable articulated support arm 102 and moves free ends 118 and 119 toward each other, which opens the umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 401. Second and third coupling structures 115 and 117, respectively, moving away from each other retracts retractable articulated support arm 102 and moves free ends 118 and 119 away from each other, which closes the umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 401.
[0030] FIG. 4 further illustrates an example of flexible tensile supports 412 tethered between ribs 406, 408 of umbrella canopy supporting rib structure at 413 and the first coupling structure 113 at, for example, 112, such that the flexible tensile supports 412 (of which there may be two, for example) are taut when the umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 401 is expanded and fold slack when the umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 401 is retracted. Positioning flexible tensile supports 412 symmetrically with respect to retractable articulated support arm 102 increases the torsional stability of the umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 401 when subjected to crosswind (i.e., wind from any direction not in the plane of umbrella support structure 100).
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an umbrella support structure 500 with multiple retractable articulated support arms 102 coupled to a single pole 101 and supporting multiple umbrella canopy supporting rib structures 401 (e.g., each retractable articulated support arm 102 may support a respective umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 401). Each rib structure 401 may include at least two hubs 402, 403 central to the rib structure 401. Pivotally coupling multiple retractable articulated support arms 102 to a common set of coupling structures 113, 115, and 117, along pole 101, ensures that all retractable articulated support arms 102 and umbrella canopy supporting rib structures 401 expand and retract in unison.
[0032] FIG. 5 further illustrates an example of a linear actuator (e.g., a mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic device creating linear motion) 300 with extension member 303 coupled to second coupling structure 115 at 304. (Alternatively, linear actuator 300 may couple directly to second coupling structure 115 at 304.) Connecting linear actuator 300 to a power source and controller allows for automation of multiple retractable articulated support arms 102 and multiple umbrella canopy supporting rib structures 401 having at least two hubs central to the umbrella in unison, such that retracting the shaft of linear actuator 300 expands retractable articulated support arms 102 and umbrella canopy supporting rib structures 401, and extending the shaft of linear actuator 300 retracts retractable articulated support arms 102 and umbrella canopy supporting rib structures 401.
[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates an umbrella support structure 600 having a rigid channel used for suspension member 103 and rigid tubes used for primary and secondary spreader members 105 and 106. The rigid channel 103 is oriented such that primary spreader member 105 fits between channel flanges and is slotted at pivot point 108 to avoid interference with primary spreader member 105. Double members (e.g., double tubular members) installed symmetrically with respect to members 103, 105, and 106 (e.g., on opposite sides of members 103, 105, and 106) are used for support member 104 and tertiary spreader member 107. Using double members for support member 104 increases the lateral-torsional stability of retractable articulated support arm 102 against crosswind (i.e., wind from any direction not in the plane of umbrella support structure 100), such that, in general, the greater the distance between the two members (the double members) forming support member 104, the greater the lateral-torsional stability of retractable articulated support arm 102. When umbrella support structure 100 is used to support an umbrella canopy supporting rib structure with at least two hubs central to the umbrella canopy supporting rib structure (e.g., as described with reference to FIG. 4), the ends of the double members of tertiary spreader member 107 can be extended to support the outer edge of the umbrella canopy at 120. Splitting the canopy between pivot points 110 and 111 and supporting the resulting canopy edges on double tertiary spreader member 107, arranged such that one is on each side of suspension member 103, ensures the umbrella canopy does not interfere with the movement of suspension member 103 as the retractable articulated support arm 102 with umbrella canopy supporting rib structure retracts and expands.
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates another example of the second coupling structure 115 or third coupling structure 117 described with reference to FIG. 1. The coupling structure 700 surrounds, or may substantially surround, the pole 101, and moves along and external to a segment of the pole 101. The coupling structure 700 may include at least one pivotal coupling location 114 or 116. In some embodiments, the second or third coupling structure 115, 117 may include at least one roller 701 that is internal to the coupling structure 700 and external to the pole 101. Multiple rollers 701 may be positioned to move along different radial positions or faces of the pole 101, thereby enabling the coupling structure 700 to move freely along the axis 123 defined by or parallel to the pole 101 while subjected to external forces, including gravity and wind. By way of example, the coupling structure 700 is shown to be configured for riding along a pole 101 having a square cross-section. The coupling structure 700 may be alternatively configured for riding along a pole 101 having a circular or other type of cross-section.
[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an umbrella support structure 800 with a retractable articulated support arm 102 and a composite support 801 (i.e., a support formed by attaching two or more components). The composite support 801 includes a track 802 coupled to pole 101 (where here, the pole 101 has a generally rectangular, square, or other polygonal cross-section; alternatively, track 802 may be integral to pole 101, and in some cases may be recessed into pole 101). Suspension member 103 of retractable articulated support arm 102 may be pivotally coupled at 112 to a first coupling structure 113 at the top of track 802 (e.g., a coupling structure that is rigid or fixed with respect to the track 802); alternatively, first coupling structure 113 may be attached directly to the top of pole 601, and the track 802 may be held short of first coupling structure 113. The primary spreader member 105 of the retractable articulated support arm 102 may be pivotally coupled at 114 to a second coupling structure (e.g., a track runner) 115. The second coupling structure 115 may be configured for axially-restricted movement along an axis 803 defined by or parallel to the track 802 or pole 101. Support member 104 of retractable articulated support arm 102 may be pivotally coupled at 116 to a third coupling structure (e.g., a track runner) 117. The third coupling structure 117 may be configured for axially-restricted movement along the axis 803 defined by or parallel to the track 802 or pole 101.
[0036] Second and third coupling structures 115 and 117, respectively, move toward each other during expansion of retractable articulated support arm 102, and away from each other during retraction of retractable articulated support arm 102. Free end 118 of support member 104 and free end 119 of secondary spreader member 106, respectively, move toward each other during expansion of retractable articulated support arm 102, and away from each other during retraction of retractable articulated support arm 102. The distance between free ends 118 and 119 of support member 104 and secondary spreader member 106, respectively, can be configured independently of both the distance between second and third coupling structures 115 and 117, respectively, and the span of retractable articulated support arm 102 by adjusting the lengths of secondary spreader member 106 and tertiary spreader member 107 and locations of pivot points 109 and 111. Retractable articulated support arm 102 can be manually expanded by raising third coupling structure 117 or, more easily, by briefly pushing support member 104 laterally away from composite support 801 (below pivot point 108) while raising third coupling structure 117 vertically in a motion herein referred to as lean and lift. Retractable articulated support arm 102 can be manually retracted by pulling support member 104 down vertically (above point 116) or by pulling third coupling structure 117 down vertically.
[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a linear actuator (e.g., a mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic device creating linear motion) 900 that may be mounted within track 802 of composite support 801. Linear actuator 900 may be coupled to second coupling structure 115 at 901, and to composite support 801 by attachment feature 902 at 903 or, alternatively, to an external base at first lower end 122 of pole 101. In some embodiments, a shaft 905 of linear actuator 900 may couple to second coupling structure 115 at 901. Connecting linear actuator 900 to a power source and controller allows for automation of retractable articulated support arm 102, such that retracting the shaft 905 of linear actuator 900 expands retractable articulated support arm 102 and extending the shaft 905 of linear actuator 900 retracts retractable articulated support arm 102. The stroke (i.e., shaft travel distance) of linear actuator 900 is equal to travel distance A of second coupling structure 115. As the overall length of a linear actuator is at least twice its stroke to allow for retraction of its shaft, the significantly shorter travel distance A relative to travel distance B, and higher position of second coupling structure 115 with respect to third coupling structure 117, allow for the use of a linear actuator that fits within the structure. Another means of mechanically assisted operation is a lead screw, worm gear, and crank system, wherein a lead screw is coupled to second coupling structure 115, with or without shaft 905, and a crank (not shown) may be used to turn the gear that moves the screw such that turning the crank one direction draws second and third coupling structures 115 and 117 together and turning the crank the opposite direction draws second and third coupling structures 115 and 117 apart. Any crank-assisted operating mechanism installed to second coupling structure 115 will require fewer cranks than a crank-assisted operating mechanism installed to third coupling structure 117, due to the shorter travel distance A compared to travel distance B. Still another means of mechanically assisted operation is a block and tackle system wherein one or more blocks (i.e., pulleys) are installed between second and third coupling structures 115 and 117, or second coupling structure 115 and composite support 801, and a cord runs between the blocks such that pulling on the cord draws the coupling structures together and releasing the cord allows gravity to draw the coupling structures apart.
[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates another example of the second coupling structure 115 or third coupling structure 117, configured for axially-restricted motion along an axis 123 defined by pole 101 of composite support 801. The coupling structure 1000 may have at least one pivotal coupling location 114 or 116, respectively, and an optional coupling location 901 for a mechanical operator (e.g., a linear actuator, lead screw, or block of a block and tackle system). In some embodiments, the coupling structure 1000 may include at least one roller 1001 that is internal to the coupling structure 1000 and also internal to the track 802 of the composite support 801. The roller(s) 1001 may be configured to ride along one or more surfaces of the track 802.
[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of an umbrella support structure 1100 with multiple retractable articulated support arms 102 supporting multiple umbrella canopy supporting rib structures 401, each rib structure 401 having at least two hubs central to the rib structure 401 as described with reference to FIG. 4. All of the umbrella canopy supporting rib structures 401 may be attached to and supported by a single composite support 801. In the umbrella support structure 1100, the composite support 801 may include multiple tracks 802 coupled to a single pole 101 (alternatively, multiple tracks 802 may be integral to the pole 101). Supporting each umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 401 with a respective separate retractable articulated support arm 102, on a separate track 802 coupled to a shared pole 101, allows each retractable articulated support arm 102, together with a respective umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 401, to expand and retract independently.
[0040] FIGS. 12-14 illustrate an umbrella support structure 1200 including a pole 101 and retractable articulated support arm 102. The retractable articulated support arm 102 may include a suspension member 103, a support member 104 (e.g., a rigid support member), a primary spreader member 105, a secondary spreader member 106, and a tertiary spreader member 107, in which the lower end of suspension member 103 is pivotally coupled at 1201 to an attachment feature 1202, which attachment feature 1202 is rigidly coupled to primary spreader member 105 along the length of attachment feature 1202 at 108. Primary spreader member 105 is pivotally coupled to support member 104 at 108; the secondary spreader member 106 is pivotally coupled to the support member 104 at 109 and to the tertiary spreader member 107 at 110; and the tertiary spreader member 107 is pivotally coupled to the primary spreader member 105 at 111. The suspension member 103 of retractable articulated support arm 102 is pivotally coupled at 112 to a first coupling structure 113 at or near the top of pole 101; the primary spreader member 105 of retractable articulated support arm 102 is pivotally coupled at 114 to a second coupling structure (e.g., a hub) 115, with the second coupling structure 115 configured for axially-restricted movement along an axis 123 defined by pole 101; and the support member 104 of retractable articulated support arm 102 is pivotally coupled at 116 to a third coupling structure (e.g., a hub) 117, with the third coupling structure 117 also configured for axially-restricted movement along the axis 123. Second and third coupling structures 115 and 117 move toward each other during expansion of retractable articulated support arm 102, and away from each other during retraction of retractable articulated support arm 102. Free end 118 of support member 104 and free end 119 of secondary spreader member 106, respectively move toward each other during expansion of retractable articulated support arm 102, and away from each other during retraction of retractable articulated support arm 102. Locations of pivot points 109 and 111 and lengths of secondary spreader member 106 and tertiary spreader member 107 within retractable articulated support arm 102 are shown adjusted to accommodate conventional umbrellas (e.g., non-compact umbrellas) of various sizes. When retractable articulated support arm 102 is used to support a conventional umbrella (e.g., a non-compact umbrella), the ends of tertiary spreader member 107 can be extended at 120 to support the edge of the umbrella canopy. Splitting the shade canopy between pivot points 110 and 111, and supporting the resulting canopy edges on a double tertiary spreader member 107, arranged such that one member is on each side of suspension member 103, ensures that the shade canopy does not interfere with the movement of suspension member 103 as the retractable articulated support arm 102 retracts and expands.
[0041] FIG. 13 illustrates a side-by-side comparison of umbrella support structure 1200 in a fully retracted position and a fully expanded position.
[0042] FIG. 14 illustrates the umbrella support structure 1200 while supporting a conventional (e.g., non-compact) umbrella canopy support rib structure 1400 having at least two hubs 1401, 1402 central to the rib structure 1400. The free end 118 of support member 104 and the free end 119 of secondary spreader member 106, respectively are coupled to an upper hub 1401 and a lower hub 1402 of umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 1400 by attachment features 1403 and 1404, respectively. Second and third coupling structures 115 and 117, respectively, moving toward each other, expands retractable articulated support arm 102 and moves free ends 118 and 119 toward each other, which opens conventional umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 1400. Second and third coupling structures 115 and 117, respectively, moving away from each other, retracts retractable articulated support arm 102 and moves free ends 118 and 119 away from each other, which closes conventional umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 1400.
[0043] FIGS. 15-20 illustrate examples of another set of umbrella support structures. The umbrella support structure 1500 includes a pole 101 and a retractable articulated support arm 102. The retractable articulated support arm 102 includes a suspension member 103, a support member 104 (e.g., a rigid support member), and a primary spreader member 105. The suspension member 103 and the primary spreader member 105 may be pivotally coupled to support member 104 at 108. The suspension member 103 of the retractable articulated support arm 102 may be pivotally coupled at 112 to a first coupling structure 113 at or near the top of pole 101; the primary spreader member 105 of the retractable articulated support arm 102 may be pivotally coupled at 114 to a second coupling structure (e.g., a hub) 115. The second coupling structure 115 may be configured for axially-restricted movement along an axis 123 defined by pole 101; and the support member 104 of the retractable articulated support arm 102 may be pivotally coupled at 116 to a third coupling structure (e.g., a hub) 117. The third coupling structure 117 may be configured for axially-restricted movement along the axis 123. Second and third coupling structures 115 and 117, respectively, move toward each other during expansion of retractable articulated support arm 102, and away from each other during retraction of retractable articulated support arm 102.
[0044] FIG. 16 illustrates a side-by-side comparison of umbrella support structure 1500 in a fully retracted position and fully expanded position. The change in position of second coupling structure 115 when moved from a fully retracted position to a fully expanded position is referred to herein as travel distance A. The change in position of third coupling structure 117 when moved from a fully retracted position to a fully expanded position is referred to herein as travel distance B. It is a feature common to every embodiment herein that travel distance A is significantly shorter than travel distance B.
[0045] FIG. 17 illustrates an expanded umbrella support structure 1500 that may be used to support a conventional (e.g., non-compact) umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 1700 (i.e., an umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 1700 that supports a conventional umbrella) having at least two hubs 1701, 1702 central to the rib structure 1700. An upper end of an extension member 1703 may be rigidly attached to retractable articulated support arm 102 at 118 and a lower end of extension member 1703 may be pivotally coupled to an upper hub 1701 of umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 1700 by attachment feature 1704 (e.g., an angle bracket). Second and third coupling structures 115 and 117, respectively, moving toward each other expands retractable articulated support arm 102 with umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 1700. Second and third coupling structures 115 and 117, respectively, moving away from each other retracts retractable articulated support arm 102 with umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 1700.
[0046] FIG. 18 illustrates an umbrella support structure 1800 including a pole 101 and a retractable articulated support arm 102. The retractable articulated support arm 102 may include a suspension member 103, a support member 104 (e.g., a rigid support member), and a primary spreader member 105. The lower ends of suspension member 103 and primary spreader member 105 may be pivotally coupled to an attachment feature 1801 at 1802 and 1803, respectively, and attachment feature 1801 may be rigidly coupled along the length of attachment feature 1801 to support member 104.
[0047] FIG. 19 illustrates a side-by-side comparison of a retracted and expanded umbrella support structure 1900 including a pole 101 and a retractable articulated support arm 102. The retractable articulated support arm 102 includes a suspension member 103, a support member 104 (e.g., a rigid support member), and a primary spreader member 105. The suspension member 103 may be pivotally coupled to support member 104 at 108 and the primary spreader member 105 may be pivotally coupled to support member 104 at 1901.
[0048] FIG. 19 further illustrates an example of a linear actuator (e.g., a mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic device creating linear motion) 1902 mounted at or near the top of umbrella support structure 1900, wherein the linear actuator 1902 is coupled to second coupling structure 115 at 1903 and to a first coupling structure 113 at 1904. Connecting linear actuator 1902 to a power source and controller allows for the automation of retractable articulated support arm 102, such that extending the shaft 1905 of linear actuator 1902 expands retractable articulated support arm 102, and retracting the shaft 1905 of linear actuator 1902 retracts retractable articulated support arm 102. The stroke (i.e., shaft travel distance) of linear actuator 1902 is equal to travel distance A of second coupling structure 115. As the overall length of a linear actuator must be at least twice its stroke to allow for retraction of its shaft, the significantly shorter travel distance A with respect to travel distance B allows for the use of a linear actuator, which fits within the structure.
[0049] FIG. 20 illustrates an umbrella support structure 2000 including a composite support 2001 and a retractable articulated support arm 102. The composite support 2001 may include a track 2002 coupled to a pole 101 (alternatively, track 2002 may be integral to pole 101). Retractable articulated support arm 102 may include a suspension member 103, a support member 104 (e.g., a rigid support member), and a primary spreader member 105. The suspension member 103 and the primary spreader member 105 may be pivotally coupled to support member 104 at 108. The suspension member 103 of the retractable articulated support arm 102 may be pivotally coupled at 112 to a first coupling structure 113 at the top of composite support 2001; the primary spreader member 105 of the retractable articulated support arm 102 may be pivotally coupled at 114 to a second coupling structure (e.g., a track runner) 115, with the second coupling structure 115 configured for axially-restricted movement along an axis defined by pole 101; and the support member 104 of the retractable articulated support arm 102 may be pivotally coupled at 116 to a third coupling structure (e.g., a hub) 117, with the third coupling structure 117 configured for axially-restricted movement along an axis defined by pole 101. Second and third coupling structures 115 and 117, respectively, move toward each other during expansion of retractable articulated support arm 102 and away from each other during retraction of retractable articulated support arm 102.
[0050] FIG. 20 further illustrates an example of a linear actuator (e.g., a mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic device creating linear motion) 2003 located internally to track 2002. The linear actuator 2003 may be coupled to second coupling structure 115 at 2004 and to composite support 2001 or an external base at 2005. Connecting linear actuator 2003 to a power source and controller allows for the automation of retractable articulated support arm 102, such that retracting the shaft 2006 of linear actuator 2003 expands retractable articulated support arm 102 and extending the shaft 2006 of linear actuator 2003 retracts retractable articulated support arm 102.
[0051] FIGS. 21-28 illustrate examples of another set of umbrella support structures. The umbrella support structure 2100 includes a pole 101 and a retractable articulated support arm 102. The retractable articulated support arm 102 includes a suspension member 103, a support member 104 (e.g., a rigid support member), and an extended spreader member 2101, wherein the suspension member 103 and the extended spreader member 2101 are pivotally coupled to support member 104 at 108. The suspension member 103 of the retractable articulated support arm 102 may be pivotally coupled at 112 to a first coupling structure 113 at or near the top of pole 101; the extended spreader member 2101 of the retractable articulated support arm 102 may be pivotally coupled at 114 to a second coupling structure (e.g., a hub) 115, with the second coupling structure 115 configured for axially-restricted movement along an axis 123 defined by pole 101; and the support member 104 of the retractable articulated support arm 102 may be pivotally coupled at 116 to a third coupling structure (e.g., a hub) 117, with third coupling structure 117 configured for axially-restricted movement along the axis 123. Second and third coupling structures 115 and 117, respectively, move toward each other during expansion of retractable articulated support arm 102 and away from each other during retraction of retractable articulated support arm 102. Free end 118 of support member 104 and free end 2102 of extended spreader member 2101, respectively, move toward each other during expansion of retractable articulated support arm 102 and away from each other during retraction of retractable articulated support arm 102.
[0052] FIG. 22 illustrates a side-by-side comparison of retractable umbrella support structure 2100 in a fully retracted position and fully expanded position. The change in position of second coupling structure 115 when moved from a fully retracted position to a fully expanded position is referred to herein as travel distance A. The change in position of third coupling structure 117 when moved from a fully retracted position to a fully expanded position is referred to herein as travel distance B. It is a feature common to every embodiment herein that travel distance A is significantly shorter than travel distance B.
[0053] FIG. 23 illustrates an expanded umbrella support structure 2300 that may be used to support a conventional (e.g., non-compact) umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 2301 having at least two hubs 2302, 2303 central to the rib structure 2301. Free ends 118 and 2102 of support member 104 and extended spreader member 2101, respectively, are coupled to an upper hub 2302 and a lower hub 2303 of umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 2301 by attachment features 2304 and 2305, respectively. Second and third coupling structures 115 and 117, respectively, moving toward each other expands retractable articulated support arm 102 and moves free ends 118 and 2102 toward each other, which opens conventional umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 2301. Second and third coupling structures 115 and 117, respectively, moving away from each other retracts retractable articulated support arm 102 and moves free ends 118 and 2102 away from each other, which closes conventional umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 2301.
[0054] FIG. 24 illustrates an umbrella support structure 2400 in which rigid tubes are used for suspension member 103, support member 104, and extended spreader member 2101. In this embodiment, the suspension member 103 is centered on pole 101 and support member 104 and extended spreader member 2101 are each offset from the center of pole 101 (e.g., to the left and right, respectively, of the center of the pole 101).
[0055] FIG. 25 illustrates an umbrella support structure 2500 that includes a pole 101 and a retractable articulated support arm 102. The retractable articulated support arm 102 may include a rigid tube used for suspension member 103, a slotted tube used for extended spreader member 2101, and a composite member used for support member 104. The composite member may include two rigid members 2501, 2502 connected by two side plates 2503. Slotted extended spreader member 2101 and composite support member 104 may be pivotally coupled to suspension member 103 at 108. Alternatively, extended spreader member 2101 may be constructed as a composite member (e.g., a member having two rigid members connected by two side plates), or support member 104 may be a slotted member.
[0056] FIG. 26 illustrates an umbrella support structure 2600 including a composite support 2601 and a retractable articulated support arm 102, wherein composite support 2601 includes a track 2602 coupled to a pole 101 (alternatively, track 2602 may be integral to pole 101). The retractable articulated support arm 102 may include a double suspension member 103, a double support member 104, and a single extended spreader member 2101. The double suspension member 103 and extended spreader member 2101 may be pivotally coupled to double support member 104 at 108. Extended spreader member 2101 may be centered on composite support 2601, and double suspension member 103 and double support member 104 may be symmetrical with respect to composite support 2601. The suspension member 103 of the retractable articulated support arm 102 may be pivotally coupled at 112 to a first coupling structure 113 at or near the top of composite support 2601. The extended spreader member 2101 of the retractable articulated support arm 102 may be pivotally coupled at 2603 to a second coupling structure (e.g., a track runner) 115, with second coupling structure 115 configured for axially-restricted movement along an axis 123 defined by pole 101. Support member 104 of retractable articulated support arm 102 may be pivotally coupled at 2604 to third coupling structure (e.g., another hub) 117, with third coupling structure 117 configured for axially-restricted movement along the axis 123. Second and third coupling structures 115 and 117, respectively, move toward each other during expansion of retractable articulated support arm 102 and away from each other during retraction of retractable articulated support arm 102. Free end 118 of support member 104 and free end 2102 of extended spreader member 2101, respectively, move toward each other during expansion of retractable articulated support arm 102 and away from each other during retraction of retractable articulated support arm 102. Umbrella support structure 2600 can be mechanically expanded by lowering second coupling structure 115 with a linear actuator 2605 positioned within track 2602 and coupled to second coupling structure 115 at 2606 and to the composite support 2601 at 2607 by attachment feature 2607 at 2608 or, alternatively, to an external base at 2608. Umbrella support structure 2600 can be mechanically retracted by raising second coupling structure 115 with the linear actuator 2605.
[0057] FIG. 27 illustrates a side-by-side comparison of umbrella support structure 1200 in a fully retracted position supporting a conventional (e.g., non-compact) umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 1400 having at least two hubs 1401, 1402 central to the rib structure 1400, and retractable umbrella support structure 2100 in a fully retracted position supporting a comparable conventional (e.g., non-compact) umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 2301 having at least two hubs 2302, 2303 central to the rib structure 2301. All else remaining equal, ground clearance D of a conventional umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 1400 supported by umbrella support structure 1200 is greater than ground clearance E of a conventional umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 2301 supported by retractable umbrella support structure 2100.
[0058] FIG. 28 illustrates a side-by-side comparison of umbrella support structure 100 in a fully retracted position supporting a compact umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 401, having at least two hubs 402, 403 central to the rib structure 401, and retractable umbrella support structure 2100 in a fully retracted position supporting a comparably sized conventional (e.g., non-compact) umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 2301 having at least two hubs 2302, 2303 central to the rib structure 2301. All else remaining equal, ground clearance F of compact umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 401 supported by umbrella support structure 100 is significantly greater than ground clearance E of a comparable conventional (e.g., non-compact) umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 2301 supported by retractable umbrella support structure 2100.
[0059] FIG. 28 further illustrates a side-by-side comparison of the relative heights of the centers of mass of a compact umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 401 having at least two hubs 402, 403 central to the rib structure 401, supported by retractable umbrella support structure 100, and a comparable conventional (e.g., non-compact) umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 2301 having at least two hubs 2302, 2303 central to the rib structure 2301, supported by retractable umbrella support structure 2100. Line 2801 approximates the height of the centers of mass of both retractable umbrella support structures 100, 2100 when fully expanded, lines 2802 and 2803 approximate the heights of the centers of mass of fully retracted compact umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 401 and conventional (e.g., non-compact) umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 1400, respectively, and distances C and G approximate the vertical distance traveled by the centers of mass of compact umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 401 and conventional (e.g., non-compact) umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 2301, respectively, between their fully retracted and fully expanded positions, wherein travel distance C is significantly shorter than travel distance G.
[0060] FIG. 28 further illustrates location 2804 on retractable articulated support arm 102 where a small horizontal force, briefly directed away from support pole 101 in the plane of retractable articulated support arm 102 (e.g., an individual leaning with one hand), will significantly reduce the vertical force needed to lift third coupling structure 117 (e.g., an individual lifting with the other hand) and expand retractable articulated support arm 102 with compact umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 401 having at least two hubs 402, 403 central to the rib structure 401, which significantly increases the case with which offset compact umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 401, supported by retractable umbrella support structure 100 (relative to offset conventional (e.g., non-compact) umbrella canopy supporting rib structure 2301 having at least two hubs 2302, 2303 central to the rib structure 2301 supported by retractable umbrella support structure 2100), can be expanded manually, without mechanical assistance.
[0061] Although upper and lower ends of various members have not been specifically referenced with respect to each embodiment described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that each of the members has an upper end and a lower end when attached to an umbrella support structure having a vertical pole and/or track. For purposes of the above description and following claims, an end of a member will typically be a portion that is as close to the true end of a member as possible, given the need to provide strength and stability for connections between members and/or fastening of an umbrella covering to a member. The referenced upper and lower ends of members will typically include no more than 5% or 10% of the terminal length of a member, but will never include more than a third of the length (i.e., about 33.33%) of a member.
[0062] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, after reading this description, that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, after reading this description, that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.
