Umbrella Anchoring Apparatus

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/231,864, filed Aug. 9, 2023, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/127,152, filed Mar. 28, 2023, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/832,879, filed Jun. 6, 2022, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/122,925, filed Dec. 15, 2020 (now issued U.S. Pat. No. 11,377,866), all of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The entire disclosure of any publication or patent document mentioned herein is entirely incorporated by refence.

The present disclosure relates generally to anchoring devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an anchoring device to stabilize a beach umbrella on sand.

Beach umbrellas are frequently used by beachgoers to provide an area of shade or shelter to protect them from direct sunrays and provide a somewhat protected area for their various beach items. Conventional beach umbrellas include an elongated, rigid, support post with a pointed lower end including an auger designed to be rotated and driven into the sand by exerting a downward rotational force on the support post. However, horizontal and vertical forces of heavier wind, wind gusts, or subsequent pivotable movement of the umbrella frequently results in the umbrella being completely dislodged from the sand. Indeed, although these augers vertically stabilize the umbrellas by counteracting vertical lifting forces, they do not laterally stabilize the umbrellas from horizontal and angular forces that tend to move the umbrella post laterally, slowly widening the surrounding sand in which the auger has been driven and dislodging it from the sand. This can result in hazardous conditions since the wind, after dislodging the umbrella, will cause the umbrella to roll or tumble along the beach causing an extremely dangerous situation for other beachgoers.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved beach umbrella anchor which will increase the total static retention forces and the lateral stability of a beach umbrella by alleviating or preventing horizontal or vertical lifting forces, caused by steady winds and/or gusts, from dislodging the beach umbrella from the sand such that a beach umbrella may be used in a more stable, secure, and safe manner.

In the present disclosure, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge or otherwise constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which the present disclosure is concerned.

While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussed to facilitate the present disclosure, no technical aspects are disclaimed and it is contemplated that the claims may encompass one or more of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a beach umbrella anchoring and stabilizing device configured to stabilize a beach umbrella on a sandy surface includes an elongated support shaft, an anchoring container, and multiple gussets. The elongated support shaft extends along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end and includes a hollow interior configured to receive a beach umbrella support post. An anchoring container is coupled to the distal end of the elongated support shaft and includes an open top with an upper perimeter edge substantially surrounding at least a portion of the elongated support shaft. The anchoring container further includes a closed bottom defining a substantially planar surface and at least one sidewall extending between the upper perimeter edge and the closed bottom in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. Multiple gussets extend radially between the elongated support shaft and the sidewall. Each of the gussets extends from the closed bottom in a proximal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the proximal end of the elongated support shaft is disposed proximal to the upper perimeter edge of the anchoring container. In some embodiments, the gussets are spaced at equal intervals around the elongated support shaft.

In some embodiments, each of the gussets includes a first side surface, a second side surface, and a top surface. The first side surface and the second side surface may extend between the closed bottom and the top surface. In certain embodiments, the top surface of each gusset is disposed distal to the proximal end of the hollow support shaft and the upper perimeter of the anchoring container. In some embodiments, the top surface is concave between the at least one sidewall and the elongated support shaft. In certain embodiments, each of the gussets includes a depth between the first side surface and the second side surface. The depth may taper from the closed bottom end towards the top surface.

In some embodiments, the beach umbrella anchoring and stabilizing device further includes a reservoir disposed between each of the gussets. The reservoir may be configured to retain a volume of sand. In some embodiments, a portion of the substantially planar surface forms a base of the reservoir.

In certain embodiments, the substantially planar surface includes multiple vaulted portions. Each of the vaulted portions may correspond to each of the gussets. In some embodiments, each of the vaulted portions is configured to accommodate a quantity of sand to anchor the anchoring container relative to the sand. In certain embodiments, the vaulted portions of a first anchoring container are configured to receive the gussets of a second anchoring container when the first anchoring container and the second anchoring container are in a stacked configuration.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a beach umbrella anchoring and stabilizing system is presented that includes an elongated support shaft, an anchoring container, a securing element, and a collar. The elongated support shaft extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is configured to receive at least a portion of a beach umbrella support post.

The anchoring container includes a center column extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to receive the elongated support shaft therethrough. The anchoring container further includes an open top having an upper perimeter edge circumscribing the center column and a closed bottom defining a substantially planar surface. At least one sidewall extends between the upper perimeter edge and the closed bottom in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. Multiple gussets extend radially between the elongated support shaft and the sidewall. Each of the gussets extends from the closed bottom in a proximal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

The securing element is configured to couple the center column to the distal end of the elongated support shaft. The collar is coupled to the proximal end of the elongated support shaft and configured to selectively secure a position of the beach umbrella support post relative to the elongated support shaft.

In some embodiments, the distal end of the elongated support shaft includes a threaded connection feature configured to engage a corresponding feature of the securing element.

In some embodiments, the collar is configured to apply pressure to the beach umbrella support post to secure its position. In certain embodiments, the collar includes an inner circumference and an actuator. The actuator may be configured to selectively reduce the inner circumference. In some embodiments, the collar includes opposing pressure elements configured to selectively extend in a perpendicular direction to engage the beach umbrella support post.

In some embodiments, the open top of the anchoring container comprises dimensions greater than dimensions of the closed bottom.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a beach umbrella anchoring and stabilizing device is presented that includes an elongated support shaft, an anchoring container, and a plurality of hollow stabilizing vanes. The elongated support shaft extends along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The elongated support shaft includes a hollow interior configured to receive at least a portion of a beach umbrella support post.

The anchoring container is coupled to the elongated support shaft. The anchoring container includes an open top, a closed bottom, and at least one sidewall. The open top includes an upper perimeter edge substantially surrounding at least a portion of the elongated support shaft. The closed bottom is proximal to the distal end, and the sidewall extends around the elongated support shaft between the open top and the closed bottom. The sidewall defines a reservoir configured to receive a volume of sand.

Multiple hollow stabilizing vanes extend radially from the elongated support shaft between the closed bottom of the anchoring container and the distal end of the elongated support shaft. Each of the hollow stabilizing vanes defines an interior trough configured to receive a portion of the volume of sand and an exterior surface configured to engage a surrounding volume of sand.

The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various example embodiments. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure is thorough, complete and fully conveys the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

As discussed above, known beach umbrellas are susceptible to horizontal and angular forces that tend to move the umbrella post laterally, eventually causing the umbrella to dislodge from the sand. This can result in hazardous conditions caused by the umbrella toppling onto beachgoers and/or rolling or tumbling along the beach. The present disclosure addresses these and other issues.

As used herein, the term “distal” refers to a direction away from a canopy of a beach umbrella and towards an end of an umbrella support post engaged in sand and/or a beach. Similarly, the term “proximal” refers to a direction towards the canopy of a beach umbrella and away from the end of the umbrella support post engaged in sand and/or the beach.

illustrates a beach umbrella anchoring and stabilizing devicecomprising an elongated support shaftincluding a proximal endP and a distal endD opposite the proximal endP, an anchoring containeraffixed to the support shaft, and a plurality of stabilizing vanesaffixed to the support shaft. In some embodiments, the support shaftincludes a hollow interioradapted to receive a beach umbrella support post therein. The proximal endP may include an openingproviding access to the hollow interior. In some embodiments, the proximal endP may include a fastenerfor fastening a beach umbrella support post within the hollow interior. The fastenermay include, for example, at least one of a screw, a nail, a bolt, a rivet, a grommet, and/or any other suitable fastening device or mechanism.

In some embodiments, the distal endD is pointed to facilitate the penetration of sand, such as the sand defining the surface of a beach.

In some embodiments, the anchoring containerincludes an open top, a closed bottomopposite the open top, and a sidewallextending around the support shaftfrom the open topto the closed bottom. In certain embodiments, the anchoring containerincludes a plurality of partitionsextending radially inwardly from the sidewallto the support shaft. The open topmay not be affixed to the support shaftwhile the closed bottommay be affixed to the support shaftadjacent to the distal endD of the support shaft.

In some embodiments, the sidewalldefines a reservoirextending between the support shaft, the open top, the closed bottom, and the sidewallthat is adapted to receive sand. The sidewallmay include an inner surfaceA, an outer surfaceB, and an upper perimeter edgeP defining an openingproviding access to the reservoir. In some embodiments, the sidewallis annular with respect to the support shaftand tapers in diameter from the open topand upper perimeter edgeP to the closed bottom, thereby forming a concave bowl-shape.

In some embodiments, the partitionsdefine separate and discrete basins within the reservoirthat are individually adapted to receive sand. Each of the partitionsmay extend vertically upwardly or linearly from the closed bottomtoward the open top. In some embodiments, the partitiondefines a planar member or structure. In some embodiments, each of the partitionsalso extends perpendicularly with respect to the support shaft. In certain embodiments, each of the partitionsextends to the open topsuch that the partitionsare flush with the upper perimeter edgeP of the sidewall. The anchoring containermay be adapted to be buried under sand to provide lateral support to the support shaft.

Referring now toand, in conjunction with, the stabilizing vanesmay protrude outwardly from the support shaftand may extend from the closed bottomof the anchoring containerto the distal endD of the support shaft. Each of the stabilizing vanesmay include a proximal endP affixed to the outer surfaceB of the sidewalland a distal endD affixed to the distal endD of the support shaft. In some embodiments, each of the stabilizing vanestaper in width from the proximal endP to the distal endD such that the stabilizing vanesalso taper in width from the closed bottomof the anchoring containertoward the distal endD of the support shaft, thereby defining an arcuate shape.

The stabilizing vanesmay be spaced at equal intervals around the support shaftto provide equal support on all sides of the support shaft. In some embodiments, each of the stabilizing vanesdefines a broad surfaceS adapted to engage sand when a rotational force is exerted onto the support shaft. In this way, the stabilizing vanesmay prevent rotation of the support shaftabout a longitudinal axis of the support shaftwhen the anchoring containeris buried under the sand. In some embodiments, the stabilizing vanes include four stabilizing vanesA,B,C,D, each protruding orthogonally outwardly with respect to the support shaft. In other embodiments, the stabilizing vanesare aligned with the partitionsof the anchoring container.

Referring now to,, and, the fastenerof the support shaftmay include an apertureA and a hand knobB. The apertureA may be adapted to receive the hand knobB therethrough such that the hand knobB may extend through the apertureA into the hollow interiorto engage a beach umbrella support postmounted into the support shaft. In certain embodiments, the apertureA is threaded so as to threadably engage the hand knobB and provide a means for securing the hand knobB in position within the hollow interior.

In operation, in some embodiments, the beach umbrellais supported by the beach umbrella anchoring and stabilizing deviceby mounting the beach umbrella support postinto the hollow interiorof the support shaft. Note, the hollow interiorincludes a universally sized diameter that is larger than a diameter of the beach umbrella support postsuch that the support shaftmay receive the beach umbrella support post of any variety of beach umbrellas therein. Once mounted into the support shaft, the beach umbrella support postmay slide longitudinally along the length of the hollow interiorto enable the height of the beach umbrellato be adjusted relative to the sandas desired by a user. In some embodiments, the beach umbrella support postis secured in position by rotating the hand knobB through the apertureA and into the hollow interiorto engage the beach umbrella support post. The hand knobB may be tightened against the beach umbrella support postto fasten the beach umbrella support postin position within the support shaft.

In embodiments, the beach umbrella anchoring and stabilizing devicefurther includes a beach accessory traythat is removably attachable to the support shaft. The beach accessory traymay include a planar member having a central openingfor mounting the beach accessory trayonto the support shaftand/or a second fastenerfor fastening the beach accessory trayto the support shaft. In some embodiments, the central openingincludes a perimeter edgehaving a collarincluding the second fastener. In embodiments, the second fastenercomprises an apertureA extending through the collarand a hand knobB. The apertureA may be adapted to receive the hand knobB therethrough such that the hand knobB may extend through the apertureA into the collarto engage the support shaftwhen the beach accessory trayis mounted thereon. In some embodiments, the apertureA is threaded such that it threadably engages the hand knobB and provides a means for securing the hand knobB in position within the hollow interior. The beach accessory traymay slide longitudinally along the length of the support shaftto adjust the height of the beach accessory trayrelative to the sand.

Referring now to,,., and, in one operation of the beach umbrella anchoring and stabilizing device, a user first digs a holein the sandlarge enough to accommodate the anchoring containerand the stabilizing vanes. The user may place the anchoring containerinto the hole, orienting the support shaftin a vertical upright orientation. While maintaining the support shaftin the vertical upright orientation, the user may fill and pack the reservoirwith sand and, in some embodiments, may also fill and pack the area between the sidewalland the holewith sand until the anchoring containerand stabilizing vanesare completely buried underneath the sand. The user may mount the beach umbrellainto the hollow interiorof the support shaftand may secure the beach umbrellaat a desired height with respect to the sandby fastening the beach umbrella support postwithin the support shaftusing, for example, the fastener.

Referring now to, in some embodiments, a beach umbrella anchoring and stabilizing deviceis presented that includes an elongated support shaft, an anchoring container, and one or more hollow stabilizing vanes. The beach umbrella anchoring and stabilizing devicemay be configured to receive and support a personal or commercial beach umbrella having a diameter or span of eight (8) feet, nine (9) feet, or ten (10) feet, for example.

The beach umbrella anchoring and stabilizing devicemay have a substantially rigid structure including one or more metals or metal alloys, plastics, and/or other suitable rigid materials. In certain embodiments, for example, the beach umbrella anchoring and stabilizing deviceincludes acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”), polycarbonate (“PC”), polyphenylene oxide (“PPO”), polyphenylene ether (“PPE”), polyamide (“PA”), polybutylene terephthalate (“PBT”), acrylic, or the like.

In some embodiments, the anchoring containeris coupled to a distal endof the elongated support shaft. In some embodiments, the elongated support shaft, anchoring container, and/or hollow stabilizing vanesmay be molded or otherwise monolithically formed as a single unit. In other embodiments, the elongated support shaftand the anchoring containermay be coupled together via one or more mechanical fasteners and/or connecting mechanisms such as bolts, rivets, grommets, threads, a press fit, and/or any other suitable fastener or fastening mechanism.

In some embodiments, the elongated support shaftextends along a longitudinal axisbetween a proximal endP and the distal endD. The elongated support shaftmay have a hollow interiorconfigured to receive at least a portion of a beach umbrella support post. The elongated support shaftand/or hollow interiormay be circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, square, polygonal, or may include any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the hollow interiorincludes a diameter or width greater than a diameter or width of the beach umbrella support post. In one embodiment, the hollow interiorincludes a diameter of about two (2) inches. In another embodiment, the hollow interiorincludes a diameter between about two (2) and about two and a half (2.5) inches.

The anchoring container may include an open top, a closed bottom, and at least one sidewall. One or more sidewallsmay extend around the elongated support shaftbetween the open topand the closed bottom. In some embodiments, the sidewallmay include an arcuate and/or tapered shape. In some embodiments, the sidewallmay define a reservoirconfigured to receive a volume of sand. In some embodiments, the one or more sidewallsmay be oriented such that the open topand/or upper perimeter edgeincludes a diameter or width greater than a diameter or width of the closed bottom.

In some embodiments, the open topincludes an upper perimeter edgesubstantially surrounding at least a portion of the elongated support shaft. For example, in some embodiments, the upper perimeter edgeis substantially circular and spaced apart from the elongated support shaft. In some embodiments, the upper perimeter edgesubstantially surrounds the elongated support shaftat a position distal to a midpoint between the proximal endP and the distal endD. In certain embodiments, the upper perimeter edgesubstantially surrounds the elongated support shaftat a position at or distal to approximately one-third of a height of the elongated support shaftmeasured from the distal endD. In these and other embodiments, the closed bottommay be disposed distal to the upper perimeter edgeand/or may contact the distal endD of the elongated support shaft.

In some embodiments, one or more hollow stabilizing vanesextend radially from the elongated support shaftbetween the closed bottomof the anchoring containerand the distal endD of the elongated support shaft. In certain embodiments, the hollow stabilizing vanesextend in a distal directionbetween at least a portion of the sidewallof the anchoring containerand the distal endD of the elongated support shaft.

In these and other embodiments, each of the hollow stabilizing vanesdefines an interior troughconfigured to receive a portion of the volume of sand and an exterior surfaceconfigured to engage a surrounding volume of sand. In some embodiments, the hollow stabilizing vaneand interior troughinclude an elongate arcuate shape having a depth that tapers from the distal endD of the elongated support shafttoward the sidewalland/or closed bottomof the anchoring container. In this manner, the interior troughmay maximize a volume of sand retained by the anchoring container, thereby optimizing beach umbrella stability.

Additionally, the tapered shape of the hollow stabilizing vanesmay contribute to an overall tapered shape of an exterior of the anchoring container, thereby facilitating excavation of surrounding sand and burying the anchoring containertherein. In some embodiments, the surrounding sand accumulates within the spaces between each hollow stabilizing vane, thereby further stabilizing the anchoring containerand preventing its lateral movement and/or disengagement relative to the sand or beach.

In some embodiments, a collaris coupled to the proximal endP of the elongated support shaftand configured to selectively secure a position of the beach umbrella support postrelative to the elongated support shaft. The collarmay be constructed of one or more metals or metal alloys, plastics, and/or other suitable rigid materials. In some embodiments, the collaris configured to apply pressure to the beach umbrella support postto secure its position relative to the elongated support shaft.

In one embodiment, the collarincludes, for example, a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical clamp configured to encircle or substantially encircle a perimeter of the beach umbrella support post. In some embodiments, the collarincludes a holehaving dimensions sufficient to accommodate the beach umbrella support posttherethrough. In some embodiments, the collarincludes a fastenerconfigured to reduce a size of the holesuch that actuating the fastenercauses the collarto tighten around the beach umbrella support post, thereby constraining its movement and maintaining its alignment with the elongated support shaft. In some embodiments, the fastenerincludes a screw, post, bar, or other suitable mechanical tightening elementcoupled to a hand knobB or other actuator to facilitate tightening and/or loosening the collarrelative to the beach umbrella support post.

Referring now to, in some embodiments, the beach umbrella anchoring and stabilizing deviceincludes an elongated support shaftand an anchoring containerhaving one or more gussets. In some embodiments, the anchoring containerincludes an open center columnformed therein. In certain embodiments, the elongated support shaftextends from and/or includes the center column. In other embodiments, the center columnis separate from the elongated support shaftbut configured to receive and/or couple to the elongated support shaft.

The elongated support shaftmay extend along a longitudinal axisbetween a proximal endP and a distal endD. The elongated support shaftmay be open at its proximal endP and may include a hollow interiorconfigured to receive at least a portion of a beach umbrella support post. In some embodiments, as shown in, while still referring to, the proximal endP of the elongated support shaftis disposed at a position proximal to the upper perimeter edgeof the anchoring container.

In some embodiments, the elongated support shaftincludes an open distal endD such that the beach umbrella support postextends partially or fully through the distal endD. For example, the beach umbrella support postmay include a pointed distal endD, auger, or other tool coupled to its distal endD. In some embodiments, the pointed distal endD or augermay extend beyond the closed bottomthe anchoring containerto facilitate a user's ability to excavate surrounding sand and thereby securely anchor the beach umbrella anchoring and stabilizing devicerelative to the beach or sandy surface.

The anchoring containermay include a closed bottomdefining a substantially planar surfaceto facilitate increased contact between the anchoring containerand the beach or sandy surface on which it is disposed. In this way, the planar surfacefurther stabilizes the beach umbrella anchoring and stabilizing devicewith respect to lateral forces and protects against unintended disengagement with the anchoring surface.

At least one sidewallmay extend between the upper perimeter edgeand the closed bottom. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the upper perimeter edgeincludes a lipextending therefrom. In some embodiments, the closed bottomincludes a substantially planar surface. In these and other embodiments, the one or more sidewallsmay extend in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axisto form an angle of between about ninety degrees (90°) and about forty-five degrees (45°) relative to the closed bottomand/or planar surface.