Umbrella stand

Abstract

 The present invention relates to an umbrella stand (1) comprising: a first structure (2) delimiting at least one area (3) for transversally containing at least one umbrella (4) having a substantially elongate conformation; a second structure (5), distinct from the first structure (2), substantially conformed as a helical spring, associated to the first structure (2) and defining a plurality of spires (5a) intercalated with a plurality of gaps (5b) predisposed to engagingly receive at least one umbrella (6) having a substantially short conformation; a collecting element (7) arranged below the first (2) and second structures (5) for collecting the water falling from the umbrellas (4, 6).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an umbrella stand.

[0002] The object of the present invention refers to the furniture field, particularly to the furnishing accessories field.

[0003] As it is known, there are several types of umbrella stands exhibiting different shapes and arrangements. The main object of such elements is to support or contain the umbrellas and collect the water which possibly drips from the same.

[0004] Besides that, the umbrella stand can become an object of design destined also to furnish the environment where it is placed.

[0005] The conventional umbrella stands generally comprise one or more containers defining respective housing compartments receiving the umbrellas. Usually, the ferrule of an umbrella abuts on the bottom of the compartment of the respective container, while the lateral part of the same is kept in contact with the container lateral wall so that the housed umbrellas are vertically or obliquely oriented with respect to the ground for enabling to easily insert and retrieve them and obtain a drainage of the water which collects on the bottom of the respective compartment.

[0006] Obviously, also the short umbrellas can be placed inside said umbrella stand containers by lying directly on the bottom of the respective compartment according to a position which is in any case uncomfortable for retrieving them by the user.

[0007] There are also umbrella stands without containers and/or housing compartments, whose structure is configured for holding the umbrellas placed in them according to a vertical or oblique orientation with respect to the ground. However, this type of umbrella stands provides bases or elements collecting the water dripping from the umbrellas, placed below the structure and/or the supported umbrellas. In some cases, the base or the water collecting element provides also the abutment plane for the ferrules of the umbrellas placed in it.

[0008] A typical known example is an umbrella stand wherein the containment tubular element consists of a vertically placed spring, inside which the umbrellas are positioned.

[0009] In other words, the spring exhibits a vertical development axis and the umbrella is inserted from above by passing through all the spires and being laterally held by these latter.

[0010] Document WO2012/076733 describes an umbrella stand formed by a vertically placed and spirally shaped blade, under this latter a water collecting container is positioned; the umbrellas are held in place by abutting the handle thereof astride the blade upper edge.

[0011] Umbrella stands destined to support both long umbrellas and short umbrellas providing the use of a metal frame which small water collecting receptacles are engaged with, are also known. The collecting containers are placed at different levels and have different dimensions with each other.

[0012] Document FR2646072 describes an umbrella stand wherein a vertically extending main container exhibits at the top distinct openings for receiving the umbrellas. Each opening is associated to a respective secondary container having a height less than the one of the umbrellas receiving main container. The secondary container has a hole on the bottom in order to enable the long umbrellas to pass through and completely hold inside it the short umbrellas.

[0013] Document US791158 shows a further example of an umbrella stand wherein a vertical panel supports from below a housing adapted to lock in position an horizontal axis helical spring. The umbrellas are inserted in the helical spring and are held in the correct position by causing the water to drip in a lower cavity where it is collected.

[0014] Although the known umbrella stands are suited to perform the tasks which are predisposed for, in other words for supporting the umbrellas when they are not used by collecting the water dripping from them, the Applicant has observed that they are not devoid of some inconveniences and are improvable under different aspects, mainly with reference to orderly supporting umbrellas of different kind, in other words both short umbrellas (foldable with a retractable handle) and long umbrellas (without retracting mechanism reducing the longitudinal size in a closed configuration).

[0015] Further, the umbrella stands, according to the prior art, are improvable with reference to the overall size, and also with reference to the convenience of laying down and retrieving the umbrellas by the users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The main object of the present invention consists in providing an umbrella stand capable of providing a structure alternative to the known umbrella stand structures.

[0017] An object of the present invention consists of providing an umbrella stand which is capable of supporting both long umbrellas, and short umbrellas in an ordered and effective way.

[0018] A further object of the present invention consists of offering an umbrella stand capable of supporting umbrellas according to an orientation and a height, simplifying both the action of laying down them and the action of retrieving the same.

[0019] A further object of the present invention consists of designing a functional umbrella stand having a compact size and a high capacity.

[0020] It is also an object to provide a novel object of design.

[0021] The above specified objects and others will be substantially met by an umbrella stand, as disclosed and described in the following claims.

[0022] According to a 1st independent aspect, it is provided an umbrella stand (1) comprising at least one first structure (2) delimiting at least one inserting area (3) for transversally containing at least one umbrella (4), particularly of a type having an elongate conformation; at least one second structure (5), distinct from said first structure (2), substantially conformed as a helical spring, associated to said first structure (2), said second structure (5) defining a plurality of spires (5a) intercalated with a plurality of gaps (5b) predisposed to engagingly receive at least one further umbrella (6), particularly of a type exhibiting a substantially short conformation; at least one collecting element (7) arranged under the first (2) and second structures (5) for collecting the water falling from said umbrellas (4, 6), said collecting element (7) exhibiting in particular a profile containing the transversal dimension of said structures (2, 5).

[0023] In a 2nd aspect according to the first aspect, the second structure is directly or indirectly engaged outside the first structure, particularly outside the inserting area.

[0024] In a 3rd aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said first structure (2) delimits a plurality of inserting areas (3) each for receiving and transversally containing at least one elongate umbrella (4), optionally each area (3) exhibiting a substantially circular sector profile.

[0025] In a 4th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said first structure (2) exhibits a substantially tubular conformation exhibiting, at the top, in conditions of use of the umbrella stand, said inserting area (3), optionally the first tubular structure (2) being opened at the bottom.

[0026] In a 5th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said at least one area (3) for transversally containing said elongate umbrella (4) is delimited at least partially by an internal tubular surface (2a) of said first structure (2) and by at least one spoke (2b), preferably two or more spokes (2b), transversal to this latter, said area (3) being longitudinally traversable by at least one elongate umbrella (4).

[0027] In a 6th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said helical spring second structure (5) has an axis longitudinally developing arranged substantially in an horizontal plane so that to define a plurality of spires (5a) intercalated with a plurality of gaps having a substantially vertical access for being vertically engaged by at least said further umbrella (6).

[0028] In a 7th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said helical spring second structure (5) exhibits an axis longitudinally developing according to a curvilinear trajectory, preferably according to an arc of circle, still more preferably the axis defining a complete circumference.

[0029] In an 8th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said first structure (2) comprises a lateral wall, said second structure (5) being engaged outside said lateral wall of the first structure (2).

[0030] In a 9th aspect according to the preceding aspect, said second structure (5) partially envelops, preferably transversally completely, said first structure (2).

[0031] In a 10th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said helical spring second structure (5) has an axis longitudinally developing arranged substantially slanted with respect to an horizontal plane, according to an angle comprised between -45° and +45°, and particularly between -30° and +30°.

[0032] In an 11th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said collecting element (7) comprises: means, such as a rest surface (7a) for resting said umbrella stand (1) on the ground or floor; a concave collecting surface (7b) facing away the rest means and towards said structures (2, 5) for collecting water falling from said umbrellas (4, 6), said collecting surface (7b) providing particularly a rest plane to said at least one elongate umbrella (4) placed in said first structure (2); at least one support (8), preferably a support stem (8a), developing from said collecting element (7) for engaging at least one of said structures (2, 5) and holding this latter according to a position raised and distanced from said collecting element (7).

[0033] In a 12th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said support (8) extends above the first structure, and comprises at the top means for holding a garment, for example hooks for hanging clothes.

[0034] In a 13th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, at least one of said structures (3, 5), preferably both, slides along said support (8), for enabling to adjust said distance between these latter and said collecting element (7).

[0035] In a 14th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the umbrella stand further comprises at least one gripping knob (9), preferably substantially spherical, for transporting said umbrella stand (1), said gripping knob (9) being placed at an end of said support (8) opposite to said collecting element (7).

[0036] In a 15th independent aspect, it is provided the use of an umbrella stand (1), the umbrella stand comprising at least one first structure (2) delimiting at least one inserting area (3) for transversally containing at least one umbrella (4); at least one second structure (5), distinct from said first structure (2), substantially conformed as a helical spring, associated to said first structure (2), said structure (5) defining a plurality of spires (5a) intercalated with a plurality of gaps (5b) predisposed to engagingly receive at least one further umbrella (6); at least one collecting element (7) placed below the first (2) and second structures (5) for collecting water falling from said umbrellas (4, 6), said collecting element (7) exhibiting particularly a shape containing the transversal dimension of said structures (2, 5) for holding elongate conformation umbrellas inside the inserting area and further umbrellas also having a substantially short conformation by the second structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Now it is presented, in an illustrative way, the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, of an umbrella stand, according to the present invention.

[0038] Such description will be given in the following with reference to Figure 1, provided in an indicative and therefore non limiting way, in which an umbrella stand, according to the present invention, is represented with a perspective view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] With reference to Figure 1, 1 generally indicates an umbrella stand according to the present invention.

[0040] As it is visible in Figure 1, the umbrella stand 1 comprises a first structure 2 delimiting at least one area 3 for transversally containing at least one umbrella 4, and advantageously a plurality of umbrellas 4, having a substantially elongate conformation (in other words umbrellas which do not reduce their longitudinal dimension when they are closed - non foldable umbrellas).

[0041] Advantageously, the first structure 2 exhibits a tubular or cylindrical conformation open at the top and at the bottom for enabling the elongate umbrellas 4 to be inserted from the top through the inserting area 3 and to remain inside a containing volume by completely crossing the structure from an end to the other.

[0042] Still referring to Figure 1, the first structure 2 delimits, at the top (through a plurality of spokes) a plurality of inserting areas 3 each destined to contain transversally a series of elongate umbrellas 4.

[0043] It is observed that, in a completely non limiting way, each area 3 exhibits a shape substantially conformed as a circular sector, in other words exhibiting a width smaller at a central axis Y of the umbrella 1 and an increasing width away from such axis Y.

[0044] In this case, each area for transversally containing the elongate umbrella 4, is delimited, at least partially, by an internal tubular or cylindrical surface 2a of the first structure 2 thanks to the presence of suitable spokes 2b extending from this latter for converging at the umbrella stand 1 central axis X.

[0045] As an alternative to said spokes 2b, it is not excluded that the areas 3 could be delimited, from a part opposite with respect to the internal cylindrical surface 2a of the first structure 2, by respective partitioning walls (continuous surfaces) developing at least along a part or all the longitudinal development of the first structure itself.

[0046] As it is visible in Figure 1, the umbrella stand 1 comprises a second structure 5, distinct from the first structure 2 and associated to the same, particularly directly engaged to the first. The second structure 5 is substantially shaped as a helical spring so that to define a plurality of spires adjacently flanked, intercalated by respective gaps 5b predisposed to engagingly receive at least one short conformation umbrella 6, in other words exhibiting a length smaller than the length of the elongate umbrellas 4, preferably half.

[0047] Specifically, the umbrella 6 is inserted between two consecutive spires and is held in position by the resiliency of the spires themselves and/or by the fact each gap, due to the spring geometry, exhibits a wide insertion access which reduces its size by approaching the first structure. In this way, radially pushing the umbrella makes the same to be held by interference between two consecutive spires.

[0048] In this way, it is not necessary for the umbrella to rest on the umbrella stand bottom, but the same is held in position only by the spring as shown in Figure 1.

[0049] Advantageously, the helical spring second structure 5 exhibits a longitudinal development axis transversally directed with respect to the vertical and to the first structure 2 longitudinal development.

[0050] In other words, the spring is placed with an axis lying in a substantially horizontal development plane, in order to define a plurality of spires 5a and gaps 5d substantially vertical (in a condition of use of the umbrella stand) for vertically engaging one or more short 6 and/or long umbrellas 4.

[0051] In order to limit the overall size of the umbrella stand 1, the helical spring second structure 5 has an axis longitudinally developing according to a curvilinear trajectory, preferably according to an arc of circle, still more preferably according to a complete circumference.

[0052] As it is visible in Figure 1, the second structure 5 is engaged outside (and also directly) to the first structure 2 so that to at least partially envelope, preferably completely, this latter.

[0053] The spring will be preferably held in position by using at least one holding element, for example comprising an elastic element of rubber or similar material, placed around the external lateral wall of the first structure and below the spring itself in a condition of use of the umbrella stand.

[0054] Particularly, the spring 5 will rest above the holding element since it cannot slide downwardly so that it remains in place.

[0055] Actually, a holding element placed above the spring 5 and also enveloped around the first structure 2 lateral surface will be also preferably present.

[0056] Also the second holding element could be an elastic element of rubber or similar material.

[0057] In this way, the spring 5 will remain axially locked/packed and placed around the first structure 2.

[0058] Obviously, other engagement arrangements could be used for constraining to each other the two support structures 2, 5 such as for example glues, resins, weldings or similar.

[0059] Still referring to Figure 1, the umbrella stand 1 comprises at least one collecting element 7 placed at the bottom of the first 2 and second structures 5 for collecting water falling from the umbrellas 4, 6.

[0060] Advantageously, the collecting element 7 exhibits a shape, preferably a circular one, containing the transversal size of the structures 2, 5.

[0061] More particularly, the collecting element 7 is provided with resting means defined by a rest surface 7a for resting the umbrella stand 1 on the floor or ground and a concave collecting surface 7b facing away from the rest surface 7a and towards the structures 2, 5 for collecting water falling from the umbrellas 4, 6 placed in them.

[0062] Advantageously, the collecting surface 7b provides a rest plane for the elongate umbrellas 4 ferrules laying in the transversal lying areas 3 of the first structure 2.

[0063] Still referring to Figure 1, the collecting element 7 comprises at least one support 7, preferably a support stem 8a, developing, optionally vertically along the axis X, from the collecting surface 7b for engaging at least one of the structures 2, 5, advantageously the first structure 2, and holding them raised and distanced from the collecting element 7.

[0064] The engagement between the support 8 and first structure 2 is possible thanks to the cited spokes 2a, 2b connecting the lateral wall of the first support structure to a rod of the support 8 crossing the tubular element 2.

[0065] According to an advantageous, but non limiting aspect, of the present invention, the engagement between the structures 2, 5 and the support stem 8a of the support 8 could be of a sliding type, for this reason the distance between the structures 2, 5 and the collecting element 7 is adjustable.

[0066] Further, the umbrella stand 1 comprises at least one gripping knob 9, particularly substantially spherical, for handling and transporting the same.

[0067] As it is visible in Figure 1, the gripping knob 9 is placed at an end of the support 8, opposite to the collecting element 7.

[0068] The above described umbrella stand exhibits substantial advantages.

[0069] First of all, the umbrella stand, according to the present invention, enables to simultaneously and orderly engage and support both long umbrellas and short umbrellas thanks to the transversal containing areas of the helical spring first structure and second structure.

[0070] Moreover, the umbrella stand is particularly compact and exhibits a somewhat reduced size.

[0071] In addition, it is pointed out that the particular structure of the above described umbrella stand enables to easily place and lay down the umbrellas, and at the same time to easily retrieve the same by the users.

[0072] All of the above is met by harmonizing technical functions with a novel design.

[0073] List of the parts

1

Umbrella stand

2

First structure

2a

Internal tubular surface of said first structure 2

2b

Spokes of said first structure

3

Inserting transversal areas of said first structure 2

4

Elongate umbrellas

5

Helical spring second structure

5a

Spires

5b

Gaps

6

Short umbrellas

7

Collecting element

7a

Rest surface

7b

Collecting surface

8

Support

8a

Support stem

9

Gripping knob

Claims

1. An umbrella stand (1) comprising:

at least a first structure (2) delimiting at least an inserting area (3) for transversally containing at least an umbrella (4), in particular of a type having an elongate conformation;

at least a second structure (5), distinct from the first structure (2), conformed substantially as a helical spring, associated to the first structure (2), the second structure (5) defining a plurality of spires (5a) intercalated with a plurality of gaps (5b) predisposed to engagingly receive at least a further umbrella (6), in particular of a type exhibiting a substantially short conformation;

at least a collecting element (7) arranged inferiorly of the first element (2) and of the second structure (5) so as to collect water falling from the umbrellas (4, 6), the collecting element (7) exhibiting in particular a profile containing a transversal dimension of the structures (2, 5).

2. The umbrella stand (1) of claim 1, wherein the first structure (2) delimits a plurality of inserting areas (3) each for receiving and transversally containing at least a respective elongate umbrella (4); optionally each area (3) exhibiting a profile having a substantially circular sector.

3. The umbrella stand (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first structure (2) exhibits a substantially tubular conformation exhibiting, superiorly in use conditions of the umbrella stand, the inserting area (3), the first tubular structure (2) being inferiorly open.

4. The umbrella stand (1) of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the at least an area (3) for transversally containing the elongate umbrella (4) is delimited at least partly by an internal tubular surface (2a) of the first structure (2) and by at least a spoke (2b), preferably two or more spokes (2b), transversal to the first structure, the area (3) being longitudinally crossable by at least an elongate umbrella (4).

5. The umbrella stand (1) of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the second structure (5) having a helical spring conformation has an axis that develops longitudinally arranged substantially in a horizontal plane such as to define a plurality of spires (5a) intercalated with a plurality of gaps (5b) having a substantially vertical axis for vertically engaging at least the further umbrella (6).

6. The umbrella stand (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second structure (5) having a helical spring conformation exhibits an axis that develops longitudinally according to a curved trajectory, preferably an arc of a circle, the axis still more preferably defining a complete circumference.

7. The umbrella stand (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first structure (2) comprises a lateral wall, the second structure (5) being engaged externally to the lateral wall of the first structure (2), the second structure (5) transversally partially enveloping, preferably transversally completely enveloping, the first structure (2) .

8. The umbrella stand (1) of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting element (7) comprises:

means, such as a rest surface (7a), for resting the umbrella stand (1) on a floor or ground surface;

a concave collecting surface (7b) facing on an opposite side with respect to the rest surface and towards the structures (2, 5) for collecting the water falling from the umbrellas (4, 6), the collecting surface (7b) providing in particular a rest plane for at least an elongate umbrella (4) positioned in the first structure (2);

at least a support (8), preferably a support stem (8a), developing from the collecting element (7) so as to engage at least one of the structures (2, 5) and maintain the at least one of the structures (2, 5) in a raised and distanced position with respect to the collecting element (7).

9. The umbrella stand (1) of the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the structures (2, 5), preferably both, is slidable along the support (8), so as to enable regulating a distance between the structures (2, 5) and the collecting element (7).

10. The umbrella stand (1) of claim 8 or 9, further comprising at least a gripping knob (9), preferably substantially spherical, for transporting the umbrella stand (1), the gripping knob (9) being arranged at an end of the support (8) opposite the collecting element (7).

Drawing