SE543819C2 - An attachment system, a table, a coupled apparatus, and a shade structure - Google Patents

Abstract

Various aspects provide for disposing an umbrella over a table. In some cases, an umbrella may be coupled to a table. An umbrella may be disposed at a location other than a center of the table, which may provide for improved shelter from weather arriving at an angle (e.g., wind-driven rain, angled sunlight, and the like). A coupling may couple a mast to a table in a manner that provides for adjustability of the mast. A coupling and receiver may cooperate to couple an umbrella to a table via a mast, which may be adjusted to move the umbrella to different positions with respect to the table. An umbrella may have a length greater than a width, and an aspect ratio of the umbrella may match a table having a similar aspect ratio.

Description

COUPLING FOR A SHADE STRUCTURE, SHADE STRUCTURE HAVING ACOUPLED MAST; UMBRELLA TECHNICAL FIELD[0001] The present invention relates generally to providing shelter from sunlight, weather, and the like.

BACKGROUND id="p-2"

[0002] People seated at a table (e. g., picnic table) may desire protection from thesun, rain, snow, and the like (hereinafter: Weather). In some cases, weather may descend fromdirectly overhead. In some cases, weather may arrive at the table at an angle. For example, atable may receive sunlight at an angle, particularly in winter and/or far from the equator. Wind-driven rain may fall at an angle. An umbrella disposed over a center of a table may not protectthe entire table from weather arriving at an angle. An improved apparatus would provide foradjustability with respect to incoming weather, such that protection from the weather may adaptto the changes. Some umbrellas require a stand, which may be heavy and expensive. Animproved apparatus would reduce fabrication and transportation costs. id="p-3"

[0003] Many umbrellas do not have a shape that matches that of the table theyostensibly protect. Prior umbrellas are typically round, and so may not uniformly protect (e. g.,rectangular) tables that are not round, leaving some people exposed to weather even if others areprotected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION id="p-4"

[0004] Protecting a table or other surface from weather (e. g., arriving at an angle)may include adjusting a protective device (e. g., an umbrella) to different positions, such as aposition other than directly overhead a center of the table. One or more couplings and/orreceivers may be configured to removably (e. g., adjustably) attach a mast to a table, to provide foradjusting an angle of the mast via a combination of movable attachment positions andcouplings/receivers that allow for pivoting of the mast. id="p-5"

[0005] Some umbrellas may be shaped in a manner that matches or otherwisecomplements the shape of a table coupled to the umbrella. Some umbrellas may be shaped tomatch an arrangement of tables (e. g., a plurality of parallel tables, angled toward the sun, and a plurality of parallel umbrellas shaped to provide contiguous protection across the tables). In 1 PA001 1SE_2_Shade some embodiments, an umbrella and table are coupled via the mast, such that the table supportsthe mast of the umbrella, which may eliminate the need for a base or stand for the umbrella. id="p-6"

[0006] An apparatus may comprise a mast coupled to a table with a coupling. Atable may comprise a top, a receiver in the top that is configured to receive a mast, a leg,optionally a brace. One or more couplings may removably couple the mast to the top, leg, and/orbrace in a manner that provides for adjustability of the mast. In some cases, a receiver is also acoupling. A receiver may include a hole in the top. The coupling may provide lateral, vertical,angular, and/or sliding/rolling adjustability to position the mast at different positions and/orangles with respect to the top. The mast may dispose an umbrella over the table. id="p-7"

[0007] A coupling may include a mast attachment configured to removably attachto a mast, a table attachment configured to removably attach to a table, and a first pivotconnecting the mast attachment to the table attachment. The mast attachment, table attachment,and first pivot may be adjustable to provide for disposing the mast at a plurality of anglesbetween the mast and a top of the table. A coupling may attach to a top, brace, leg, or another partof the table as needed to secure the mast. A mast attachment may provide for moving the mast ina direction aligned with the mast. id="p-8"

[0008] A table may comprise a top, a leg, and optionally a brace (to brace the topand/or leg). A first coupling may be coupled to the leg or brace via the table attachment, and maybe configured to couple a first portion of the mast to the leg or brace via the mast attachment. Areceiver and/or second coupling may couple a second portion of the mast to the top. In somecases, a first coupling couples the first portion to a leg, and a second coupling couples the secondportion to a brace (or vice versa). A mast may be coupled to the leg and brace, rather thancoupled to the top. The first and second portions of the mast may define an angle, which may bechanged by adjusting a coupling and/or receiver to different positions (e. g., along the top, brace,or leg). The couplings and/or receiver may allow the mast to pivot, providing for a plurality ofangles between the mast and the table. id="p-9"

[0009] An umbrella may have a length greater than a width. A shape of theumbrella (e. g., aspect ratio between length and width) may be chosen to match a shape of a tableto which the umbrella is coupled. An umbrella may have an umbrella length greater than anumbrella width, and an aspect ratio (length:width) may be within 30%, 20%, or even 10% of anaspect ratio of the table, thereby providing uniform coverage of the table. A mast may include ahinge (e. g., to keep an umbrella parallel to the ground as mast angle changes). A coupling and/orreceiver may dispose an upper portion of a mast (e. g., with an umbrella) in a first direction (e. g., parallel to a length, width of the table, or a combination) to adapt to incoming weather. 2 PA001 1SE_2_Shade BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an apparatus in an embodiment. id="p-11"

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a different configuration of an apparatus, according to some embodiments. id="p-12"

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates several exemplary receivers, according to someembodiments. id="p-13"

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an apparatus as viewed from above, according to some embodiments.[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary umbrella, according to some embodiments.[0015] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate configurations of an apparatus according to someembodiments.[0016] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate configurations of an apparatus according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION id="p-17"

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an apparatus in an embodiment. A table 100 mayinclude a top 102 and one or more legs 112. An optional brace 110 may stabilize a leg and/or thetop (e. g., fiXing the leg at a 90 degree angle with respect to the top). Brace 110 may brace othercomponents (e. g., connect a first leg to a second leg). Brace 110 and/or leg 112 may beadjustable (e. g., pivotable to collapse the table, extendible to change height, etc.). At least aportion of brace 110 may be vertical, horizontal, and/or angled (e. g., between top 102 and leg112), and may be disposed below top 102. A brace may be located above top 102. Brace 110may be strong enough (e. g., stiff enough in bending between its attachment points) to support anumbrella (e. g., wind loaded) via a mast coupled to the brace. Brace 110 may be straight and/orcurved. id="p-18"

[0018] Mast 130 may be connected to umbrella 140. Some masts 130 may include ahinge 135, which may include one or more pivots. Hinge 135 may provide for changing an anglebetween umbrella 140 and mast 130 (e.g., to keep umbrella 140 level as an angle of mast 130 ischanged, or to angle umbrella 140 with respect to mast 130). Mast 130 may be coupled orconnected to table 100 in a manner that provides for adjusting an angle 101 of mast 130 (e. g.,with respect to top 102) to move umbrella 140 to different positions (e. g., from centered to off center). 3 PA001 1SE_2_Shade id="p-19"

[0019] One or more couplings 150 may couple mast 130 to the table (in thisexample, to brace 110). A coupling may couple a mast to a leg, a brace, a top, and/or otherportion of the table. Coupling 150 may provide for lateral movement to different positions in adirection 154 along the top, brace or leg (e. g., by sliding, rolling, removably gripping,pins/receptacles, and the like). Coupling 150 may provide for "vertical" adjustment (e. g.,movement in direction 152) of mast 130. Coupling 150 may include a pivot 160 to allow rotation(e.g., changing an angle 156 between mast 130 and, in this case, brace 110). Pivot 160 mayinclude a freely rotating hinge. Pivot 160 may include two or more separate pivots. Pivot 160may include a tightening or locking mechanism that affixes mast 130 at a desired angle. id="p-20"

[0020] Top 102 of table 100 may include one or more receivers 120 configured tocouple to mast 130. A coupling or receiver may constrain motion in some directions and providefor motion in other directions. For example a receiver 120 may confine or constrain mast 130vertically and laterally, and allow mast 130 to pivot (e. g., over a desired range of angles 101, suchas at least 15 degrees, 30 degrees, or at least 45 degrees) with respect to top 102. Some receiversmay allow mast 130 to slide (e. g., in direction 152, in a direction along the table top, and thelike). Some receivers may removably grip mast 130. Some receivers 120 provide for positioningmast 130 at different positions (e. g., along the top 120). Receiver 120 may include a hole, whichmay be sized in at least one dimension to approximately match a cross section of mast 130 (e. g.,slightly larger than the diameter of a cylindrical mast 130). Holes in receiver 120 may be round,elliptical, square rectangular, curved, or otherwise shaped. In some embodiments, receiver 120 isdisposed away from the middle of top 102 (e. g., in a long direction characterizing table 100,and/or along a "width" of table top 102, and the like). Receiver 120 may comprise a coupling1 50. id="p-21"

[0021] Coupling 150 and receiver 120 may include a pivot 160 and/or provide forpivoting of mast 130, and may allow mast 130 to be adjusted in direction 152. By aligning table100 with respect to incoming weather (e. g., aligning a long direction of the table with anincoming direction of the sun, wind, and the like), and adjusting various apparatus (e. g., varyingthe position of coupling 150 along brace 110, and/or height of umbrella 140), umbrella 140 maybe adjusted to shelter table 100 from weather arriving at different angles. For example, mast 130may be oriented toward the sun in a manner that positions umbrella 140 in a position other thandirectly above table 100, which may increase the area of top 102 sheltered by umbrella 140. id="p-22"

[0022] In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, top 102 may be shaded from sunlightor rain arriving in direction 170 by angling mast 130 to place umbrella 140 off center (as shown).

Configurations may be adapted to changing weather conditions (e. g., time of day, season, wind 4 PA001 1SE_2_Shade speed) by adjusting various angles and distances to reposition umbrella 140, and optionally byrepositioning table 100 With respect to incident Weather. A long dimension of table 100 may bealigned with its own shadow at noon. A relative position of umbrella 140 with respect to thesurface (and/or seats) of table 100 may be chosen to maximize the protection of the table by theumbrella. In some embodiments, at least one of coupling 150 and receiver 120 attaches umbrella140 to table 100, which may eliminate the need for a heavy stand or base to support mast 130. id="p-23"

[0023] A coupling or receiver may be adjustable to provide for motion as needed orconstrain motion as needed. An interface between a coupling or receiver and the table maycomprise a grip or clamp configured to grip a corresponding feature on the table, such as a leg,brace, rail, or top, and a corresponding grippable feature (e. g., the leg itself, a rail attached to abrace, the top, etc.). Vice versa, a table may include a grip configured to grip a feature on thecoupling or receiver. The interface may include one or more movable pins (e. g., on the coupling)that fit into corresponding receptacles (e. g., on the table). A coupling and/or receiver may slideor roll along a feature. A feature (and/or leg or brace) may be tubular, and a coupling mayinclude a circular portion (e. g., a u-bolt) to grip the tube. id="p-24"

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a different configuration of an apparatus, according to someembodiments. In FIG. 2, coupling 150 has been adjusted (and receiver 120 has allowed mast 130to pivot) to reposition umbrella 140 with respect to the position in FIG. 1 (in this case, over thecenter of the table). In some embodiments, coupling 150 moves to change angle 101; in someembodiments, a receiver 120 moves to change angle 101. Both coupling 150 and receiver 120may move in some embodiments. An upper portion of mast 130 (e. g., proximate to umbrella140) may, at a first mast angle 101, be positioned over the center of top 102, and at a second mastangle 101, be positioned a distance from the center of top 102. id="p-25"

[0025] A coupling and/or receiver may be loosened, moved, and tightened toreposition the portion of mast 130 to which it's coupled to change angle 101. For example, bymoving coupling 150 along brace 110 and moving mast 130 in direction 152 (FIG. 1) withincoupling 150 and receiver 120 (both of which may allow pivoting) angle 101 may be chosen toplace umbrella 140 substantially directly above the center of top 102 (e. g., for overhead weatherin direction 270) or away from the center of top 102 (e. g., for angled weather in direction 170) asweather conditions require. In some embodiments a hinge 135 comprising one or more pivotsmay adjust umbrella 140 to a variety of angles between mast 130 and top 102. A position of mast130 in receiver 120 may be changed to adjust an angle between mast 130 and top 102. In someembodiments, mast 130 comprises two masts, hinge 135 comprises two pivots, pivot 160 comprises two pivots, and these masts and pivots combine to form a “four bar” linkage, which PA001 1SE_2_Shade may maintain umbrella 140 at a constant angle with respect to top 102 as mast 130 moves amongangles 101 (e.g., umbrella 140 may remain parallel to top 102 as angle 101 changes). id="p-26"

[0026] Movement of a receiver and/or coupling may “sweep” mast 130 over avirtual “surface” in the air (as if waving a wand). In an embodiment, mast 130 moves through asurface comprising a plane of positions which may be parallel with a long direction of a table (sothat umbrella 140 moves in a direction parallel to the long direction). The surface may be parallelto a width of the table. A curved brace or leg (and/or curved receiver) may be used to sweep mast130 through a curved shape (e. g., sweeping a conical surface). A receiver and/or coupling thatadjusts in both length and width directions of the table (e. g., with a curved receiver or brace) maybe used to move umbrella 140 in an arc (e. g., to follow the sun). Hinge 135 may pivot portionsof mast 130 within a plane defined by motion of a receiver and/or coupling. Hinge 135 may pivotin another direction (e. g., a coupling changes mast angles to move umbrella 140 lengthwise alongtop 102, and hinge 135 moves umbrella 140 widthwise along top 102). id="p-27"

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates several exemplary receivers, according to someembodiments. Receiver 310 may include a round hole, and may be disposed away from a centerof top 102 (e. g., in the "long" direction of top 102). Receiver 320 may include an elliptical hole.Receivers may include square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, and/or octagonal holes (e. g., tomatch a corresponding mast). Receiver 330 may include a hole disposed in a center of top 102.Receiver 340 may include a curved hole. Receivers 340 and 350 may include an elongated holethat provides for moving a position of mast 130 (FIG. 1) in both "lengthwise" and "widthwise"directions. Receiver 360 may include a notch or other feature (e. g., at an edge of top 102).Receiver 370 may include a rail or bracket (e. g., a U-shaped bracket). Receiver 380 may includea hole and a clamp 372. Clamp 372 may be adjustable (e. g., to different locations within the holeassociated with receiver 380). Clamp 372 may removably grip or otherwise affix other apparatus(e. g., mast 130, FIG. 1). Claim 372 may include a rail and a feature that grips the rail. Inexemplary receiver 380, clamp 372 includes a plurality of pins 374 sized to match correspondingreceptacles 382. Pins 374 may be inserted into receptacles 382 to position clamp 372 in a desiredposition. Pins 374 may be retracted, clamp 372 (and mast 130) may be moved to anotherposition, and then pins 374 may be inserted into new corresponding receptacles 382 to repositionmast 130. id="p-28"

[0028] In some embodiments, an actuator (e. g., a motor, a solenoid, an hydrauliccylinder, and the like) may be coupled to at least one of a mast, receiver, coupling, and/or table,and may be configured to adjust an angle of the mast (and/or position of an umbrella). An actuator may be configured to track incoming weather (e. g., via a sensor) and adjust the mast 6 PA001 1SE_2_Shade accordingly. In some embodiments, a desired position is detected (e. g., an angle of the sun) andan umbrella is adjusted to optimize exposure to (e. g., shading from) Weather. A clock signaland/or location signal (e. g., from a GPS signal, a digital compass, and the like) may be used todetermine a position of the sun. A Weather sensor (e. g., Wind sensor, photodiode, photovoltaiccell and the like) may be used to determine a desired position for mast 130. In someembodiments, an umbrella, shade, solar panel and/or other feature (e. g., attached to a mast) maybe configured to "track" incoming Weather by monitoring the Weather, calculating Whether or notmast 130 is optimally positioned (e. g., maximizing shade to table top 102) and adjusting areceiver or coupling accordingly if needed. id="p-29"

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an apparatus as viewed fromabove, according to some embodiments. Apparatus 400 may include an umbrella 420 disposedover a top 102 With a mast, coupling, and receiver (not shown). Umbrella 420 may be positioned(e. g., as in FIG. 4) to shade top 102 from sunlight incipient at an angle (e. g., With the sun on the"left" side of the page). id="p-30"

[0030] Top 102 may be longer in a length 400 than in a Width 410. Umbrella 420may be longer in a length 402 than a Width 412. Umbrella 420 may include a flexible cover(e. g., nylon or canvas), Which may be supported by support arms. Umbrella 420 may include afirst arm 440 that is longer than a second arm 430. In some embodiments, a shape (e.g., asviewed from above) of an umbrella is similar to (e. g., matches) the shape of the table With Whichthe umbrella may be used. An umbrella may be symmetrical (e. g., With respect to the mast) indirection 410 and/or 400. An umbrella may be asymmetrical, and have one arm 430 laterally“longer” than an opposite arm 430. In some configurations, a receiver is disposed off-center(e. g., in direction 410) and a matching umbrella is asymmetrical, such that the umbrella shelter iscentered on the table, notwithstanding the off center receiver. A curved and/or angled mast 130may be used to center an umbrella over a top having an off-center receiver. An asymmetricalumbrella according to various embodiments need not incorporate a coupling or receiver (e. g., ifacting as a fixed umbrella). id="p-31"

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary umbrella, according to some embodiments.Umbrella 500 includes a first arm 510, a second arm 520, and a third arm 530. In some cases,umbrella 500 may be longer in a first direction 502 than in a second direction 504. In some cases,third arm 530 is longer than at least one of, and sometimes both of first arm 510 and second arm520. In some cases, second arm 520 is longer than at least one of, and sometimes both of, firstarm 510 and third arm 530. In some cases, first arm 510 is shorter than second arm 520 and third arm 530, Which may be approximately the same length. 7 PA001 1SE_2_Shade id="p-32"

[0032] In some embodiments, a cross section of a mast is square, rectangular, and/orotherwise shaped to restrain rotation of the mast (e. g., to maintain an angular orientation of anumbrella with respect to the table). A cross section of a rectangular mast may be longer in thelong direction of the table to increase stiffness of the mast to a bending moment generated atreceiver 120 by umbrella 140 and coupling 150 (e. g., at angles 101 far from 90 degrees). id="p-33"

[0033] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate configurations of an apparatus according to someembodiments. Coupling 150 may be used to removably attach mast 130 to leg 112. In FIG. 6,coupling 150 is coupled to rail 600. Rail 600 includes a plurality of receptacles 382, into which apin 374 on coupling 150 may be inserted. Coupling 150 may be moved to different positionsalong rail 600 to adjust angle 101. id="p-34"

[0034] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate configurations of an apparatus according to someembodiments. Receiver 380 may be used to move a portion of mast 130 held by clamp 372 todifferent positions along top 102. ln this example, clamp 372 may allow for mast movement indirection 152, reducing or elirninating the need for lateral motion of coupling 150 (e. g., along leg112). In some embodiments, a receiver 380 provides for motion of a first portion of mast 130 anda coupling 150 provides for motion of a second portion of mast 130. The first and secondportions may move in different directions (e. g., to move mast 130 through a nonplanar “surface”).FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of an exemplary virtual “surface” 900 swept by mast 130 as mastangle is adjusted. id="p-35"

[0035] The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations ofthe invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of this disclosure. Thescope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. 8 PA001 1SE_2_Shade

Claims (10)

What is claimed is:

1. A coupling (150) for coupling a mast (130) to a table (100), the coupling comprising:a mast attachment (151) configured to removably attach to the mast;a table attachment (153) configured to removably attach to at least one of a brace (110) ofthe table and a leg (112) of the table; anda first pivot (160) connecting the mast attachment to the table attachment;the mast attachment, table attachment, and first pivot adjustable to provide for a plurality of angles (101) between the mast and a top (102) of the table.

2. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the table attachment removably attaches to at least one of thebrace and leg in a manner that allows the table attachment to be moved to different positions in a direction (154) along the brace or leg.

3. The coupling of either of claims 1 and 2, Wherein the mast attachment is configured to attachto the mast in a manner that allows the mast to be adjusted in a direction (152) aligned with the mast.

4. A coupled apparatus comprising: a table (100) having a top (102) and at least one leg (112), and optionally a brace (110); a receiver (120, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380) coupled to the top, configured toreceive a mast (130), support the mast, and allow the mast to rotate among aplurality of angles (101) with respect to the top; and a first coupling according to any of claims 1-3, coupled to the leg or brace via the tableattachment, the first coupling configured to couple the mast to the leg or brace, atan angle of the mast, with respect to the top, that is at least partially defined by: a first portion of the mast coupled to the leg or brace; anda second portion of the mast coupled to the receiver; and at least one of the first coupling and receiver, preferably both the first coupling andreceiver, is adjustable to different positions, preferably in a direction (154), toprovide for different angles (101) of the mast by moving its respective portion of the mast to the different positions. 9 PA001 1SE_2_Shade

5. The apparatus of claim 4, Wherein the receiver comprises:a mast attachment (151, 372) configured to removably attach to the mast;a table attachment (153, 380) configured to removably attach to the top (102) of the table;and a first pivot (160) connecting the mast attachment to the table attachment;

6. A coupled apparatus comprising:a table (100) having a top (102), a leg (112), and a brace (l10);a first coupling according to any of claims 1-3 coupled to the leg via the table attachmentand configured to receive a mast (l30); anda second coupling according to any of claims l-3 coupled to the brace via the tableattachment, the couplings configured to couple the mast to the leg and brace, atan angle of the mast With respect to the top, that is at least partially defined by:a first portion of the mast coupled to the leg; anda second portion of the mast coupled to the brace; andat least one of the couplings, preferably both couplings, is adjustable to different positionsto provide for different angles of the mast by moving its respective portion of the mast to the different positions.

7. The apparatus of any of claims 4 to 6, Wherein at least one of a coupling and a receivercomprises at least one of:a grip configured to grip a corresponding feature connected to the table, preferably abrace, a leg, or a rail attached to the table;a pin configured to fit into a corresponding receptacle connected to the table; and a receptacle configured to receive a corresponding pin connected to the table.

8. The apparatus of any of claims 4-7, Wherein:the top has a length greater than a width; andthe different angles of the mast sweep a surface aligned With the length.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 4-8, further comprising an umbrella (140, 420, 500) coupled to an upper portion of the mast, preferably Wherein, at a first angle of the mast, the umbrella is 1 0 PA001 lSE_2_Shade disposed above the top and at a center of the table, and at a second angle of the mast, the umbrellais disposed a first distance from the center of the table, preferably in a direction that is aligned With a length of the table.

10. An umbrella (140, 420, 500) having an umbrella length (402, 502) greater than an umbrellawidth (412, 504).