NL2026286B1

NL2026286B1 - Mobile parasol base, and assembly of such a parasol base and a parasol

Info

Publication number: NL2026286B1
Application number: NL2026286A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Ramon Audenaerde Kilian
Original assignee: Platinum Group B V
Priority date: 2020-08-18
Filing date: 2020-08-18
Publication date: 2022-04-14

Abstract

Patio parasols are well known in which a parasol canopy is mounted to a parasol base to provide shade for a deck, patio, garden, or the like. The invention relates to a mobile parasol base. The invention also relates to an assembly of a parasol base according to the invention and at least one parasol mounted onto said parasol base.

Description

Mobile parasol base, and assembly of such a parasol base and a parasol The invention relates to a mobile parasol base. The invention also relates to an assembly of a parasol base according to the invention and at least one parasol mounted onto said parasol base.

Patio parasols are well known in which a parasol canopy is mounted to a parasol base to provide shade for a deck, patio, garden, or the like. If the parasol is of a so- called free-arm parasol, then its centre of gravity is no longer directly above the parasol base, considerable torque is be exerted on the mount and may tend to cause the parasol to topple over. Even when the parasol canopy is not extended (folded out), breezes can exert forces on the parasol canopy tending to topple it. In applications where the parasol will be used in only a single, fixed location, a parasol can e.g. be bolted to an in-ground parasol base, providing a sufficiently secure mount to resist such torque. However, in many applications it may be desirable to be able to move the parasol around to various locations, or to be able to store the parasol when not in use without an parasol base being left in place. Such applications call for a mobile or portable parasol base, in particular a wheeled mobile parasol base. The mobile parasol base must also be able to withstand the forces exerted by the parasol without toppling, and without being anchored to the fixed world. Known mobile parasol bases are typically made of concrete, marble or granite to provide sufficient weight to the mobile parasol base or are designed to support separate heavy counterweights, such as concrete blocks or tiles, which are positioned removably on top of a parasol base frame. Both options lead to a number of problems in practice. Firstly, the cost of shipping heavy weight makes it economically impractical to include the counterweights along with the parasol's package. And often, these counterweights will have to be purchased separately by a consumer in a separate store. In addition, there is the problem of the parasol owner or installer having to haul the heavy parasol base or heavy counterweights to the location where the parasol will be used, which may easily lead to injury to the person. Furthermore, part from the fact that wheeled mobile parasol bases are relatively easy to be relocated, wheeled mobile parasol bases suffer from the drawback that the weight to be born by and on top of a wheel supported frame of the parasol base is limited, which will affect the stabilization of a parasol connected to said wheeled parasol base. There is a need for a wheeled parasol base which can be installed and transported in a more user-friendly manner. There is also a need to improve the stabilization and/or a load capacity of a wheeled parasol base. it is an object of the invention to provide an improved wheeled mobile parasol base without suffering from one or more of the abovementioned drawbacks.

To this end, the invention provides a mobile parasol base, comprising: a support frame, which support frame comprises at least three mutually fixed arms extending in different directions, wherein adjacent arms mutually enclose an accommodating space, a plurality of removable counterweight blocks inserted or insertable into at least one accommodating space, a plurality of wheels, wherein each wheel is connected by means of a wheel bracket to a terminal portion of an arm, and wherein each arm is provided with at least one support element for supporting at least a portion of at least one counterweight block, such that a lower side of each counterweight block is positioned below an upper side of the wheels. The wheeled mobile parasol base according to the invention has several advantages. A first advantage over known heavy, single-piece parasol bases is that the parasol base according to the invention makes use of modular counterweights which can be inserted, typically individually, into an accommodating space, which renders the base weight of the parasol base (without counterweights) relatively low, which facilitates handling, transportation, and manual displacement of the parasol base. Another advantage of the wheeled parasol base according to the invention is that a fixed support frame is used, which makes the support frame relatively robust and firm. Typically, the support frame is free of any hingeable portions and/or moving components, which makes the support frame less vulnerable, and which is in favour of the load capacity of the parasol base. Apart from the mutually fixed arms which increases the load capacity of the parasol base, the load capacity is further increased by lowering the centre of gravity of the parasol base due to the improved positioning of the counterweight blocks below an upper side (upper level) of the wheels. This improved load capacity allows a parasol base with a certain weight to be loaded with a relatively large parasol, optionally a free-arm parasol, and/or allows the parasol to be stably used in more turbulent weather conditions. The terminal portion of each arm can be formed by an outer end of each arm, but may also be formed by a part of the arm facing away from the centre of the parasol base (where the arms come together). The wheel bracket is typically fixed, for example by screwing and/or clamping, to an arm, wherein preferably the arm comprises an opening and/or a slot with which the wheel bracket can co-act.

To this end, the wheel bracket is preferably provided with an upwardly protruding element, such as a pin, which can be inserted into said slot and/or opening of an arm, such that the wheel bracket is fixed to said arm.

The parasol base according to the invention is configured for supporting and/or co-acting with at least one parasol.

It is conceivable that the parasol base according to the invention is configured to simultaneously support and/or co-acts with a plurality of parasols.

It is also imaginable that the wheeled parasol base according to the invention is configured to support other objects, like umbrellas, tent poles or (traffic or information) signs.

Preferably, the arms extend evenly across a cross-sectional plane of the parasol base.

This means that in case n arms are applied, wherein n23, the angle enclosed by two adjacent arms will be 360/n degrees.

Such an even distribution of the arms across the cross-section of the parasol base typically leads to a balanced load capacity.

Hence, preferably, the accommodating spaces have substantially identical sizes.

This also allows to use counterweight blocks with uniform dimensions, which is in favour of the user-friendliness of the parasol base.

Preferably, the support frame comprises four mutually fixed arms extending, from a centre portion of the base, in different directions.

More preferably, said four arms are cruciform, wherein adjacent arms have a mutually perpendicular orientation.

Each wheels is typically positioned underneath at least a portion, in particular the terminal portion, of an arm.

The wheel bracket is typically connected to a centre portion of the wheel, and preferably extends from there in upward direction toward the above positioned arm.

The wheel bracket may be a unilateral wheel bracket, wherein the wheel bracket only faces a single side of the wheel, but is typically more preferred, from a constructional point of view, to apply a bilateral wheel bracket, wherein the wheel bracket partially encloses opposite sides of the wheel.

This bilateral wheel bracket is typically fork-shaped.

Typically, each wheel bracket is at least partially positioned underneath at least a portion, in particular the terminal portion, of an arm.

This positioning will commonly improve the carrying capacity of the parasol base as such.

The wheels may also be referred to as casters.

The wheels (or casters) are commonly made of at least one of the materials chosen from the group consisting of: rubber, plastic, nylon, aluminium, or stainless steel.

It is imaginable that at least one wheel has a fixed orientation with respect to the arm to which the wheel is connected.

Such a fixed wheel is also referred to as rigid caster, and is configured to roll along a straight line path.

It is typically (also or alternatively) preferable that at least one wheel is displaceably connected, in particular pivotably connected, to one of the arms.

Such a wheel is often also referred to as a swivel caster.

Like the simpler rigid caster, a swivel caster incorporates a wheel mounted to a — typically fork-shaped - wheel bracket including a swivel joint above the wheel allowing a lower part of the wheel bracket, and hence the wheel as such, to freely rotate about a vertical axis of rotation, typically (but not necessarily) about 360°, thus enabling the wheel to roll in any direction.

It is conceivable that all wheels of the parasol base are swivel casters.

Often, either all wheels or swivel casters or some wheels are rigid casters and at least one other wheel is a swivel caster.

Other wheel types, such as omnidirectional wheels and/or spherical wheels may also be used.

One or more wheels used in the parasol base according to the invention may be provided with a brake or a brake feature, which prevents the wheel from turning.

This is commonly achieved using a lever, mounted onto the wheel presses, which is able to press a brake cam against the wheel.

It may also be advantageous, in particular in case of a swivel caster, to apply a lock or a locking feature, mounted onto the wheel bracket, which is configured to realize an additional rotational lock on a vertical shaft of the wheel bracket so that neither the shaft can rotate or the wheel can turn, providing very rigid support.

Preferably, each wheel has a (horizontal) axis of rotation.

Preferably, the lower side of each counterweight block is positioned in between an upper side of the wheels and said axis of rotation of the wheels.

Although it is imaginable that a lower side of the counter blocks is positioned underneath the axis of rotation of the wheels, which could lead to a further improved stabilization of the parasol base, such a positioning might affect the transportability of the parasol base, in particular on uneven ground.

Hence, it is typically preferred to position the lowest point (the lower side) of the counterweight blocks in between the upper level (upper side) of the wheels and the axis of rotation of the wheels, to find a balance between load capacity improvement and transportability of the wheeled parasol base according to the invention.

Preferably,

atleast one support element is positioned below an upper side of the wheel.

A counter weight block resting on said support element will therefore also be positioned below said upper side of the wheel to lower the centre of gravity of the parasol base as much as reasonably possible (taking the desired unhindered transportability into account). The counterweight blocks may be entirely positioned 5 ontop of the support element, but it is also imaginable that a part of a counterweight extends below said support element (in installed condition). Preferably, at least one support element is at least partially formed by a protruding rim, preferably laterally protruding rim, which more preferably extends in a substantially horizontal direction. It is imaginable, and even favourable, in case each arm is provided with at least two support elements for supporting two different counterweight blocks. Preferably, each arm is provided with at least two support elements positioned in two different accommodating spaces. Often, but not necessarily, at least one support element defines a lower side of each arm, which allows the counterweight blocks to be supported by (rather than suspended or hung onto) the support elements. It is favourable in case at least, and preferably each, support element is provided with at least one opening configured to receive a downwardly protruding bulge of a counterweight block. This fixates and stabilizes the counterweight block with respect to the support structure, and hence with respect to the support frame.

In a preferred embodiment, a terminal portion of each arm has a reduced thickness with respect to the thickness of a remaining portion of each arm, wherein each wheel is connected. This support frame design allows the arms, and hence the support elements, to be positioned at a level below the upper side of the wheels, while at the same time providing sufficient and even improved robustness and rigidity to the arms.

Typically, each arm is preferably formed by at least one beam. These beams could be made of a solid material, but preferably each beam is formed by a (hollow) extrusion profile. Typically each beam is made of metal. It is imaginable that each arm is formed by a plurality of interconnected beams. This allows, for example, to realize the aforementioned preferred embodiment in which a terminal portion of each arm has a reduced thickness with respect to the thickness of a remaining portion of each arm, without having to post-process or cut-away a part of the beam, which is efficient and saves material losses and production time. To this end, it is preferable that each arm is formed by a plurality of interconnected beams having mutually different beam lengths. It is favourable in case at least two arms are formed out of at least one shared beam. This will increase the strength and load capacity of the support frame and hence of the parasol base. Typically, the arms define together a single planar plane, typically a substantially horizontal plane.

Preferably, at least two arms are interconnected by at least one cross-bar, more preferably positioned at a distance from the centre portion of the parasol base, wherein each cross-bar is configured to support at least one counterweight block.

Each cross-bar may is typically fixed to adjacent arms, in particular to one or more support elements of adjacent arms. Preferably, each outer end of each cross-bar is enclosed in between an upper and a lower support element of an arm, wherein said two support elements mutually enclose a cross-bar insertion space. Possibly, the counterweight blocks are slid laterally (in a substantially horizontal direction) into (a lateral access opening of) the accommodating space, wherein the blocks will slide over the aforementioned upper support element, without being hindered by the cross-bar (lying underneath said upper support element). By supporting the outer ends of a cross-bar by the lower support elements, unwanted detachment of the cross-bar, can be prevented or at least counteracted, which thus leads to an improved reliability and durability and load capacity of the parasol base according to the invention. It is also conceivable that the counterweight blocks are positioned into the accommodating space from a substantially vertical direction. Hence, the counterweight blocks can be vertically inserted and the top panel can be positioned upon or above at least part of the counterweight blocks after said blocks have been installed. Preferably, each counterweight block comprises a container with at least one filling opening for filling the container with a mass increasing substance, such as sand or water, wherein said at least one filling opening is preferably closable by a closing lid and/or by the top panel (if applied). Preferably, each counterweight block comprises a container, wherein said container comprises at least one bottom wall and at least one circumferential wall connecting to said bottom wall, wherein the circumferential wall defines a filling opening of the container for filling the container with a mass increasing substance, such as sand or water. Hence, the filling opening of the container may be formed by an open upper side of the container, which can be closed off by a lid and/or by the top panel (if applied). Preferably the parasol base comprises one or more closing lids, wherein each lid is configured to co-act with, preferably to be clamped onto, a circumferential wall of a container for substantially closing the container.

The lid may be formed by the top panel (if applied) being to simultaneously close off a plurality of the containers, and/or may be formed by individual lids, wherein each lid is configured to close off a container, and wherein the lids are preferably at least partially covered by the top panel (if applied). Preferably, at least one, and more preferably, each container comprises at least one drainage channel (or gutter) to drain (rain) water away from (an accommodating space for) the mass increasing substance.

This prevents undesired wettening and fouling of the mass increasing substance by (rain) water (or any other liquid dropped onto the parasol base). Said drainage channel(s) is(/are) preferably formed by an upper section of the circumferential wall of the container.

Here, it is e.g. conceivable that the drainage channel is formed by a deformed wall part, in particular circumferential wall part, of the container.

The drainage channel is preferably located near at an upper edge, more preferably an upper outer edge of the container.

Preferably, each drainage channel is provided with an at least partially, and preferably entirely, inclined bottom surface.

More preferably, a lowest point of the bottom surface of said drainage channel is formed atleast one corner piece or corner section of said counterweight.

This prevents that (rain) water will flow into the container, and hence may foul the container and/or the mass increasing substance contained by said container, and furthermore prevents damage of the parasol base e.g. due to frost.

It is advantageous in case each container is configured to support the top panel (if applied), to distribute the downward force (gravitational force) exerted by the top panel (and possible additional external loads) over a relatively large surface area, to stabilize the top panel and to prevent peak stress in the parasol base, which could lead to damage.

Here, it is in particular advantageous in case each container is provided with a plurality of upstanding (vertical) ridges (baffles), wherein at least one of those ridges extends to a top surface (top level) of the container to support an overlaying top panel.

One or more of these ridges may divide the container into a plurality of compartments.

To improve the rigidity of the (hollow) container, it is favourable in case at least two ridges have a perpendicular orientation with respect to each other, and/or wherein outer ends of each ridge are connected to another container part.

It is further favourable that each container can be secured with respect to the support frame. To this end, the support frame and/or each counterweight block, in particular each container, may be configured to realize a clamp connection, a snap connection (click connection) and/or other kind of lock connection to lock the container in place with respect to the support frame, as a result of which undesired removal of the container from the support frame can be prevented. This clamp connection or snap connection can, for example, be realized by providing the support frame and/or the container with one or more locking hooks, in particular clamping hooks and/or snapping hooks, which hooks are configured to co-act with a recess or other type of counterlocking element to secure the container with respect to the support frame. Preferably, at least one clamp connection and/or snap connection and/or other kind of lock connection is realized at or near the corners of the parasol base, and hence near the terminal portions of the arms (and/or corner pieces connected thereto) of the support frame.

By applying fillable counterweight blocks, the initial weight can be kept relatively low, which is in favour of transporting and handling the blocks. In order to further reduce weight, it may be preferable that the container does not comprise its own closing lid, wherein the closing off of the container(s) is realized by means of the (central) top panel.

It is imaginable that, in installed condition, each counterweight block extends with respect to the terminal portion of each adjacent arm. In this manner the arms, and hence the support frame as such, can be protected by the counterweight blocks once installed. Preferably, at least a part of at least one counterweight block has a substantially triangular cross-section, more preferably an isosceles triangle having two sides of equal length, and/or a frustoconical cross-section. This shape typically matches the shape of the accommodating space, as a result of which the empty space within an accommodating space and when the counterweight block(s) is/are installed can be kept to a minimum. Preferably, at least one counterweight block has an increasing cross-section in upward and/or downward direction. This changing cross-section across the height of the counterweight blocks could be used to allow the counterweight blocks to be installed in a predefined manner into the accommodating space, and could prevent wrongful, for example upside-down, installation of the counterweight blocks. Moreover, the changing cross-section across the height of the counterweight blocks could be used to shift the centre of gravity in downward direction and/or more towards the centre portion {central zone) of the parasol base.

Preferably, a part of a circumferential wall of each counterweight block defines a part of a peripheral edge of the parasol base.

The peripheral edge of the parasol base preferably surrounds (encloses) all arms and wheels of the parasol base.

Preferably, an end surface of each arm is connected to a corner piece defining a part of a peripheral edge of the parasol base.

The corner pieces make part of the support frame of the parasol base.

Preferably, each corner piece is connected tightly and/or locked with respect to an arm.

Preferably, the orientation between a corner piece and an adjacent arm is substantially fixed.

The corner pieces protect the arms of the support frame, and, moreover, can be used to provide additional functionality the support frame as will be elucidated below.

It is, for example, imaginable that, in installed condition, each corner piece is connecting, at opposite sides, to (a circumferential wall of) at least two counterweight blocks, which allows the formation of a substantially closed peripheral edge of the parasol base.

Each corner piece preferably comprises a support surface for supporting a top panel positioned on top of at least a portion of each corner piece.

Hence, the corner piece may be configured, and is preferably configured, to bear the top panel at least partially.

Typically the top panel is additionally supported by the arms and/or the counterweight blocks of the parasol base.

However, the corner pieces may be used together to lock the top panel in place, at least within a horizontal plane.

To this end, each corner piece may, for example, provided with at least one upward rim, wherein the upward rims together define a top panel insertion space for insertion of atop panel, such that at least a part of the arm and a part of the counterweight blocks is covered by said top panel.

An inner surface of each upward rim of a corner piece preferably has an angular (hooked) shape, which is preferably substantially complementary with respect to an outer surface of a corner of the top panel, such the top panel corners, and hence the top panel as such, can be locked and held in place by the corner piece of the support frame.

Preferably, an outer part of a circumferential wall of each counterweight block is provided with an upward rim, wherein the rims together define a top panel insertion space for insertion of a top panel, such that at least a part of the arm and a part of the counterweight blocks is covered by said top panel.

Preferably an inner surface of all upward rims together is designed to co-act or lie adjacent or near to an outer surface of the top panel. The top panel is typically completely enclosed by the adjoining upward rims. In this way, the top panel can be protected against e.g. breakage. The top panel is typically a flat panel, in particular a tile. Preferably a top surface of the top panel is smooth to impede growth of e.g. moss, bacteria, and fungi on top of said panel.

Preferably, the top panel is impermeable to water. Preferably, the top panel, in particular the tile is typically at least partially made of plastic, ceramic, glass, and/or stone, such as marble, concrete and/or granite. It is imaginable that the top panel is formed by a laminate of layers, such as e.g. a core layer and a decorative layer affixed on top of said core layer. The top panel typically has a square or oblong shape. The top panel is used to cover at least a substantial part the support frame and a part of the counterweight parts. This is not only attractive from an aesthetical point of view, but also shields the (often corrosion sensitive) support frame substantially from weather conditions, which is in favour of the lifetime of the parasol base. Moreover, the top panel prevents the — preferably fillable — counterweight blocks to open and to drain its mass increasing substance. Since the top panel is a flat panel only covering a top side of the support frame (and a top side of the counterweight blocks), the top panel typically has a limited weight and can be installed relatively easily. The top panel is typically provided with a decorative design at its top surface. The top panel may be a monolith panel, but may also be a laminated panel consisting of a plurality of interconnected layers. The top panel is considered as part of the parasol base according to the invention. Preferably, the height of the upward rims of the corner pieces and/or the circumferential wall of the counterweight blocks is substantially identical to the height of the top panel. This allows the upwards rims to connect smoothly to an upper surface of the top panel, which not only is preferred from an aesthetical point of view, but also improves the cleanability of the top panel as fouled water is able to easily flow from the top panel. Moreover, in this manner, the vulnerable and sharp (corner) edges of the top panel can be protected and covered by the collective of upward rims, which is in favour of the lifetime of the parasol base, and prevents personal injuries.

Commonly, the parasol base is configured to support a stem part and/or shaft part of a parasol. This stem part or shaft part is typically fixed, e.g. by means of screws and/or clamping, onto the parasol base. To this end, it is favourable in case the parasol base comprises a base bracket, which is typically positioned on top of and secured with respect to the support frame and/or — if applied — the top panel. The base bracket is configured to be stably support a parasol, and is typically at least partially insertable into a parasol shaft. The base bracket may be a static (rigid) base bracket, although it is typically more preferred that the base bracket comprises a stationary part, mounted onto the support frame, and a rotatable part, pivotably connected to said stationary part and allowing a parasol shaft, once mounted, to be (axially) rotated. Preferably a clamping structure is used to (releasably) clamp the base bracket onto the support frame, in particular at least one upper beam of said support frame. The clamping structure may comprise bolts and/or pins guided through through-holes of the support frame, wherein an upper outer end of each bolt and/or pin is preferably configured to co-act, either directly or indirectly, with the base bracket, and wherein and a lower outer end of each bolt and/or pin is preferably configured to co-act, either directly or indirectly, with a base plate of the clamping structure, positioned within or underneath the support frame, in particular at least one upper beam of said support frame. Said base plate is configured to (firmly) keep the base bracket in place. The clamping structure, which is configured to be clamped onto the support frame, to stabilize the base bracket and to hold the base bracket in place, makes it possible to transmit all or most of the forces exerted (by a parasol) onto the base bracket to the support frame rather than to the top panel. This means that the typically vulnerable top panel will not, or predominantly not, be exerted to (considerable) forces during use of the parasol base, which is in favour of the lifetime of the top panel, and hence of the parasol base as such. It is also conceivable that at least one base bracket forms part of a parasol which is configured for co-action with at least one parasol base.

The invention also relates to a parasol base, in particular a mobile parasol base according to the invention, comprising a support base, one or more counterweight blocks supported by said support base, and preferably a top panel, in particular a tile, configured to at least partially cover said support base and/or said counterweight block(s), wherein the support base comprises at least one support element for supporting at least a portion of at least one counterweight block, such that a lower side of each counterweight block is positioned below an upper side of the wheels.

The invention also relates to an assembly of a parasol base according to the invention and at least one parasol, preferably removably, mounted onto said parasol base.

Expressions like “horizontal” and “vertical” are relative expressions related to the parasol base, wherein “vertical” means in a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the parasol base, and wherein “horizontal” means in a direction parallel to or coinciding with said plane defined by the parasol base.

The present invention will hereinafter be further elucidated on the basis of non- limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures, wherein; - figure 1a gives a perspective view of the support frame of the parasol base according to the invention; - figure 1b shows the mobile parasol base comprising the support frame as shown in figure 1a; - figure 2 gives a perspective view of the insertion of a counterweight block into the support frame; - figures 3a and 3b show a cross sectional view of the parasol base according an embodiment of the present invention; -figure 4a shows an exploded view of the same parasol base as shown in figure 3; -figure 4b shows a cross-sectional view of an arm of the support frame from figure 1; - figure 5 shows a perspective view of the attachment of one of the wheels to the support frame; -figure 6 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of a parasol base according to the invention; - figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the parasol base according to figure; - figure 8 shows a bottom view of the parasol base according to figures 6-7; - figure 9 shows a detailed view of a corner section of a part of the parasol base according to figures 6-8; and - figure 10 shows the detail view of the corner section shown in figure 9, during installation of a container. Figure 1a shows a perspective view of the support frame 2 for the parasol base 1 according to the present invention. This particular non limitative example of the support frame 2 consists of four mutually fixed arms 3 extending in different directions R1, R2, R3, R4 from a central portion of the support frame 2. Each of the arms 3 of the support frame 2 in this figure is provided with a support element 7 for supporting a portion of a counterweight block (not shown in this figure). The support element 7 is formed by two rims on the arms 3 which are laterally protruding. The upper rim 7 is the one supporting the counterweight block, whereas the bottom rim is spaced below the upper rim 7 such as to receive a cross-bar 23 (see figure 1b) for reinforcement of the support frame 2 between said two rims. Preferably each arm 3 is provided with two of said support elements for supporting two different counterweight blocks as shown in the figure. The adjacent arms 3 extending in directions R1 and R2, R2 and R4, R4 an R3, R3 and R1, each mutually enclose an accommodating space 4. The accommodating space 4 is in this exemplary figure of substantially triangular shape and each set of said adjacent arms preferably are positioned substantially perpendicular. The arms 3 of the support frame 2 are drawn up by a plurality of interconnected beams 9, 10, 10’, 11, 12, 12’. Said beams are in particular hollow beams as shown by the beams extending in the directions R3 and R4. The hollow beams can be easily extruded and thereby reduce cost of production.

The figure illustrates that a pair of opposing arms 3 is formed by a shared bottom beam 9 or a shared upper beam 11. A pair of second beams 10 and 10’, 12 and 12’ are connected to the shared beams 9 and 11 respectively, thereby forming the arms 3. The arms 3 extending in the directions R2 and R3 are constructed by the shared bottom beam 9. On a upper side of the shared bottom beam 9 the two second beams 10 and 10’ are attached. Said pair of second beams 10, 10’ are attached to the upper side of the shared bottom beam 9 on opposite sides of the shared upper beam 11. The shared upper beam 11 is shared by the arms extending in the directions R1 and R4. On a bottom side of the shared upper beam 11, on opposite sides of the shared bottom beam 9, the pair of second beams 12 and 12’ is attached. Hence the support frame 2 is formed by a plurality of interconnected beams 9, 10, 10’, 11, 12, 12’ having mutually different lengths. Figure 1b shows the mobile parasol base 1, which comprises the support frame 2 shown in figure 1a. The support frame 2 is further provided with cross-bars 23. The cross-bars 23 interconnect two adjacent arms 3. The cross-bars 23 increase the rigidity of the frame and furthermore provide additional support to the counterweight block (not shown). The cross-bars 23 are attached to the end portions of the bottom beams being part of the adjacent arms 3. This way the cross-bar 23 does not obstruct the accommodating space 4 and allows the counterweight block (not shown) to be inserted freely.

The figure shows that the cross-bars 23 are inserted in between the two laterally protruding rims, wherein the top rim forms the support element 7 for the counterweight block.

The use of the plurality of beams as elaborated in the foregoing figure defines a terminal portions of the arms 3 which has a reduced thickness with respect to the thickness of a remaining portion of the arms 3. In these terminal portions with reduced thickness wheels 5 are attached to the support frame 2. This allows the center of mass to be placed as low to the ground surface as possible.

The wheels 5 are connected to the support frame 2 through brackets 6. The brackets 6 are attached to a bottom surface of the upper beam of each arm 3. The wheels 5 are swivelable around a substantially vertical axis 25, and each wheel has an axis of rotation 8 which is substantially horizontal.

The combination of the vertical axis 25 and the horizontal axis 8 allow the parasol base 1 to be easily movable in all desired directions.

In order to secure the parasol base 1 on the preferred location, each wheel is provided with a manual brake 26. The manual brakes 26 are configured to move between a first position wherein the wheel can rotate freely around the axis of rotation 8, and a second position wherein the rotation of the wheel around axis 8 is at least partially obstructed.

In figure 2 a part of the parasol base 1 is shown.

The figure provides a perspective view of a possible manner how a counterweight block 13 can be inserted into the support frame.

The wheels 5 as shown in the previous figure are intentionally left out to elucidate a different aspect of the present invention.

This figure shows a counterweight block 13 of substantially triangular shape positioned aside of the support frame 2. The support frame is provided with a top panel 19. Said top panel 19 comprises a plurality of holes 20 at a centre portion of the parasol base 1. These holes 20 are used for attaching a stem part of a parasol.

The stem part can be attached either directly or indirectly — through a stem base bracket - to the top panel 19. In the shown non-limitative embodiment, the counterweight block 13 is configured as to slide in the accommodating space 4 of the parasol base 1. The counterweight block 13 can be positioned into the accommodating space 4 by a movement in the direction of the arrow R5. By moving the counterweight block 13 in said direction the movement is guided by the support elements 7. Once the counterweight block 13 is fully inserted, an upward rim 15, which is part of a closing lid 14, substantially covers a side wall of the top panel 19. The sides of the counterweight block 13 directed towards the arms 3, in this non-limitative figure, comprise main wall portion 27 and a position-finding wall portion 24. The position- finding wall portion 24 is positioned at an angle to the main wall portion 27, such that during the movement in the direction R5 the position-finding wall portion 24 co- acts with another part of the parasol base, in particular the corner piece 16 (not shown), to assure a correct position of the counterweight block 13. Once the counterweight block 13 is in its correct position it extends with respect to the terminal portion of each adjacent arm 3. Figure 3a shows a cross sectional view of the parasol base 1 according to a non- limitative embodiment of the present invention, and figure 3b shows a corresponding detailed view of a centre part of the parasol base 1. Corner pieces 16 are located on the terminal portions of the arms 3 of the support frame 2. The support frame 2 in this figure is not entirely shown, merely the beams 9, 11, 12 and 12’ are visible. . The corner pieces 16 comprise an upward rim 18. The upward rims 18 of all corner pieces define a top panel insertion space. The upward rims 18 of the corner pieces 16 are defined such as to enclose at least a part of a corner of the top panel 19. The particular shape of the upward rims 18 of the corner pieces 16 is adapted to the shape of the corners of the top panel. Therefore, it is also conceivable that the upward rim 18 is adapted to a corner of a polygon shaped top panel 19 and is not limited to the illustrated form. The use of said corner pieces 16 allows to use a single top panel 19 for the entire parasol base 1. The top panel 19 may furthermore be secured to the base frame 2, either directly or indirectly, to establish a more secure connection. A parasol (not shown) can be mounted onto the parasol base 1 by securing the parasol to a base bracket 39 of the parasol base

1. Here, the base bracket 39 is typically at least partly inserted into a shaft of the parasol. Since, during use, the base bracket 39 is commonly exposed to significant forces, including rotational forces (torque), it is preferred that these forces are not, are at least not entirely, transmitted to the typically vulnerable top panel 19 to prevent damaging, and even breakage, of the top panel 19. This is preferably realized by transmitting most or all forces exerted onto the base bracket 39 to the upper beam 11 (as shown) and/or the lower beam(s) 12, 12’. To this end, the upper beam 11 is provided with a plurality of lower through-holes 36a, and the top panel 19 is provided with a plurality of upper through-holes 36b.

Each lower through-hole 36a is positioned in line with one of the upper through-holes 36b.

Typically the number of upper through-holes 36b is three, four, five, six, or eight.

The same obviously applies to the number of lower through-holes 36a.

A bush 37 (cylindrical spacer) is at least partially inserted into each upper through-hole 36b, wherein a lower end of each flanged bush 37 is configured to co-act with the upper beam 11, in particular an upper side 11a of the upper beam 11. On top of said bush 37 a washer 43 is positioned.

Instead of applying a regular bush 37 with a washer 43 on top, one may also use a flanged bush.

Preferably, a resilient O-ring 38 is positioned in between each washer 43 and an upper surface of the top panel 19. The O-ring 38 may for example be made of rubber.

A centre portion of the base bracket 39 may be supported by the top panel 19 by using a, preferably resilient centre cushion 40, resilient sleeve, or any other, typically resilient and/or semi-rigid or rigid, support structure.

The base bracket 39 is secured to the upper beam 11 by using securing elements 41, here formed by bolts 41, inserted into and extending with respect to each bush 37, washer 43, and the corresponding though-hole 36a, 36b.

A lower end of each bolt 41 is screwed into a (threaded) hole of a frame bracket 42 and is configured to pull the base bracket 39 in downward direction towards the upper beam 12, as a result of which the base bracket can be secured.

Since a lower end of each bush 37 is configured to co-act with the upper beam 11, tightening of the bolts 41 will predominantly lead to clamping of the upper beam 11 in between the frame bracket 42 and the bush 37 / washer 43 assemblies, while forces exerted directly onto the top panel 19 can be kept to a minimum.

The upward rims 18 of the corner pieces 16 and the upward rim 15 (not shown in this figure) of the counterweight blocks 13 together define a substantially consecutive rim which substantially covers the entire side wall of the top panel 19. The figure furthermore illustrates the fact that a lower side of each counterweight block is positioned in between an upper side of the wheels 5 and the axis of rotation 8. The lower side of the counterweight block 13 has to be placed below the upper side of the wheels once the counterweight block 13 is inserted into the parasol base 1 in order to ensure its low centre of mass Figure 4a shows a perspective of an exploded view of the parasol base 1 as shown in figures 3a and 3b.

The exploded view provides a good overview of the individual features of the present invention. The exploded view illustrates an interior volume 21 of the counterweight blocks 13. The interior volume 21 of the counterweight block is defined by a container, wherein said container comprises at least one bottom wall and at least one circumferential wall connecting to said bottom wall, wherein the circumferential wall defines a filling opening 21 of the container. The interior volume 21 is separated in a plurality of segments by means of interior walls

22. These segments prevent the mass increasing substance to slosh in the interior volume 21. Sloshing can lead to undesirable forces when moving the parasol base 1 and can additionally change the centre of mass to an undesired location when positioning the base 1 on a slightly inclined surface possibly. The corner pieces 16 as shown in the exploded view reveal an upper surface 17. This upper surface 17 is, when the corner piece 16 is attached to the arm 3, positioned in the same plane as the upper surface of the arms 3. Said upper surface of the arms 3 together with the upper surface 17 carry the top panel 19 of the parasol base 1. A part of a circumferential wall of each of the counterweight blocks 13 defines a part of the peripheral edge of the parasol base 1. In particular the parts of the circumferential wall of the counterweight blocks 13 and the outward facing side of the corner pieces 16 define the entire peripheral edge of the parasol base 1. The figure also indicates the position of the frame bracket 38 in more detail. The holes provided in the frame bracket 38 are aligned with the holes 20, 36b in the top panel 19. Figure 4b shows a cross-sectional view of two beams 34, 35 which together define an arm 3 of the parasol base 1. The two beams 34, 35 are attached to each other. To that end the upper beam 35 comprises two inwardly protruding outer ends 33 facing towards each other, wherein each of the outer ends 33 is configured to be slided into a receiving space. The receiving space is defined by two rims 32 on the upper surface of the bottom beam 34. The rims 32 are formed by a first section which is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the bottom beam 34, and a second section which is substantially parallel to the upper surface of the bottom beam 34. In particular the distance between the second section of the rim 32 and the upper surface of the bottom beam 34 defines the receiving space. The present invention is not limited to the described attachment of the two beams 34,

35. It is also conceivable that the outer ends 33 are protruding outwardly away from each other.

Figure 5 gives a perspective view of the assembly of one of the wheels 5. In this non limitative figure the arm 3 of the support frame 2 is drawn up by a single beam.

At the terminal end of the arm 3 the arm 3 has a reduced thickness with respect to the remaining part of the arm 3. This terminal end of reduced thickness allows the wheel 5 to be attached as high as possible which yields a low centre of mass of the parasol base 1. The beam comprises the support element 7 which support at least a part of a counterweight block (not shown in this figure). As explained before, the wheel 5 is attached with its bracket 6 to the arm 3 of the support frame 2. The cross-sectional profile of the hollow arm 3 comprises a receiving segment 29, which is configured to receive a protrusion 30 of the corner piece 16. The receiving segment 29 is further configured to receive a pin 28 which is part of the wheel bracket 6, in particular the receiving segment comprises a hole on the bottom surface of the arm 3. The pin 28 of the wheel bracket 6 is inserted through the hole in the bottom surface (not shown) of the arm 3. Once the protrusion 30 of the corner piece 16 slides into the receiving segment 29 of the arm, it is locked into place by the pin 28 on the wheel bracket 6, said pin 28 slides into a receiving hole in the protrusion 30. In assembled condition the hole of the protrusion 30, the pin 28 of the bracket 6 and the hole in the bottom surface of the arm 3 share the same centreline 31. Preferably the receiving segment 29 of the cross-sectional profile of the arm 3 is dimensioned such that the protrusion 30 of the corner piece 16 snugly fits inside.

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of a parasol base 50 according to the invention, figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of said parasol base 50, figure 8 shows a bottom view of said parasol base 50, and figure 9 shows a detailed view of a corner section of a part of the parasol base according to figures 6-8. Figures 6-9 are described below in more detail.

The parasol base 50 comprises a support frame 51, which support frame 51 comprises four mutually fixed arms 52 extending in different directions, wherein adjacent arms 52 mutually enclose an accommodating space 53, a plurality of removable counterweight blocks 54 inserted or insertable into at least one accommodating space 53, a plurality of wheels 55, wherein each wheel 55 is connected by means of a wheel bracket 56 to a terminal portion 52a of an arm 52, and wherein opposing lower edges of each arm 52 are each provided with a support element 52b for supporting atleast a portion of at least one counterweight block 54. In this exemplary embodiment, a lower side of each counterweight block 54 is positioned below an upper side of the wheels 55. Each arm 52 is formed by a plurality of interconnected beams 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d of different lengths, wherein a long upper beam 56a and two short upper beams 56b together form an upper (cruciform) part of the support frame 51, and a long lower beam 56c and two short lower beams 56d form together form a lower (cruciform) part of the support frame 51. All beams 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d are, directly or indirectly, connected to each other.

The upper part of the support frame 51 extends with respect to the lower part of the support frame 51 to create space for the wheels 55 to be attached to the (lower side of the) upper part of the support frame 51. An end surface of each arm 52 is connected to a corner piece 57 defining a part of a peripheral edge of the parasol base 50. Each corner piece 57 is inserted into said end surface of the corresponding arm 52, and is secured in place by means of a pin 56a of the wheel bracket 56 of a wheel 55. The corner piece 57 is considered as part of the support frame 51. Each corner piece 57 is provided with an upstanding (upwardly protruding) profile or rim 57a.

These rims 57a not only define an outer boundary of the parasol base 50, but also define an insertion space for a top panel 58 of the parasol base 50. The top panel 58 is typically a square (or rectangular) shaped panel or tile, commonly made from stone, ceramic, plastic, glass, and/or a composite material.

In this example, the top panel 58 is provided with four mounting holes 58a, which are, in assembled state of the parasol base 50, positioned in line with mounting holes in the upper beams 56a, 56b of the support frame 51. The mounting holes are configured to received pins, screws and/or bolts for mounting a base bracket (not shown) onto the top panel 58, wherein said base bracket is configured to support a parasol.

The mounting structure preferably corresponds to the mounting structure as shown in figures 3a and 3b, wherein the base bracket is actually connected and supported by the support frame 51, as a result of which the load and forces exerted by the parasol onto the base bracket are transmitted to the support frame 51 rather than to the top panel 58, which prevents damaging of the top panel 58. Each counterweight block

54 is actually formed by a container, also referred to as a box, a tray, ora receptacle for receiving a mass increasing substance, such as sand.

The container 54 has a substantially triangular cross-section and is configured to be accommodated in an accommodating space 53 enclosed by adjacent arms 52. Each container 54 is preferably at least partially made of plastic.

Each container 54 has an open top surface.

Each container 54 comprises a circumferential wall 54a,

an adjoining bottom surface 54b and a plurality of upstanding low cross ridges 54c and upstanding high longitudinal ridges 54d. The ridges 54c, 54d provide rigidity of the container 54. The longitudinal ridges 54d extend to an upper level of the container 54, and are configured to support to the top panel 58. In figure 8 all support surfaces of the support frame 51 and the containers 54, configured to support the top panel 58, are marked. This shows that the top panel 58 (and possible further external forces exerted onto the top panel 58) is supported in a relatively distributed manner. An outer upper edge of the circumferential wall 54a of each container is provided with a (slightly) inclined drainage channel 54e to drain (rain) water, falling onto the top panel 58 and flowing into said drainage channel 54a, towards the corner pieces 57, where the (rain) water can flow away from the parasol base 50. Each container 54 is supported by two support elements 52b of adjacent arms 52, respectively. In order to secure the container 54 with respect to the support frame 51, several measures are taken. Firstly, each support element 52b is provided with a lock hole 52c configured to co-act with a downward protrusion (bulge) 541 of a container 54. Secondly, each container 58 is additionally locked with respect to, in particular hung (suspended) to, both corner pieces 57 adjoining said container 54. To this end, each corner piece 57 is provided, at opposing side, with two hook-shaped members 57a, and a part of the circumferential wall 54a of the container 54 facing said hook-shaped members 57b is, in this example, provided with a recessed portion 54b. Each hook-shaped member 57b is configured to co-act with a recessed portion 54b to realize a locking connection between the support frame 51 and the container 54, wherein said locking connection is preferably a snap connection and/or clamp connection. Figure 10 is quite identical to figure 9, though wherein the parasol base 50 is shown during installation of a container 54. More in particular, figure 10 shows the container 54 right before the container 54 is moved upwardly (see arrows A) to secure the container 54 in place. When the container 54 is moved in upward direction, the locking member 57b will be brought into contact with the recess portion 54b and/or (an inner side of) the circumferential wall 54a of the container 54 to clamp the container 54 in place and to secure the container with respect to the support frame

51. The above-described inventive concepts are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts may be applied without, in so doing, also applying other details of the described example.

It is not necessary to elaborate on examples of all conceivable combinations of the above- described inventive concepts, as a person skilled in the art will understand numerous inventive concepts can be (re)combined in order to arrive at a specific application.

The verb “comprise” and conjugations thereof used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only “comprise”, but are also understood to mean the phrases “contain”, “substantially consist of”, “formed by” and conjugations thereof.

Claims

Conclusions

Mobile parasol base, comprising: - a supporting frame, which supporting frame comprises at least three mutually fixed arms extending in different directions, wherein adjacent arms mutually enclose a receiving space, - several removable counterweight blocks inserted or insertable into at least one receiving space, - several wheels, wherein each wheel is connected via a wheel bracket to an end portion of an arm, and - wherein each arm is provided with at least one support element for supporting at least a part of at least one counterweight block, such that an underside of each counterweight block is positioned below a top of the wheels.

Parasol base according to claim 1, wherein the accommodation spaces have substantially equal dimensions.

Parasol base according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supporting frame comprises four mutually fixed arms which extend in different directions from a central part of the base.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each wheel is located below the end portion of an arm.

Parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each wheel bracket is located at least partly under an arm.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a part of each wheel bracket is inserted into the arm.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one wheel has a fixed orientation with respect to the arm to which the wheel is coupled.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one wheel is movably connected, in particular pivotally connected, to one of the arms.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each wheel has an axis of rotation, and wherein the underside of each counterweight block is located between a top side of the wheels and the rotational axis of the wheels.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one support element is located below a top side of the wheel.

Parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one support element is formed at least partly by a projecting edge, preferably a laterally projecting edge.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arm is provided with at least two support elements for supporting two different counterweight blocks.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arm is provided with at least two support elements, which support elements are located in two different receiving spaces.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one support element defines an underside of each arm.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an end portion of each arm has a reduced thickness relative to the thickness of a remaining portion of each arm to which each wheel is connected.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arm is formed by at least one beam.

The parasol base of claim 16, wherein each arm is formed by a plurality of interconnected beams.

An umbrella base according to claim 17, wherein each arm is formed by a plurality of mutually connected beams of mutually different length.

A parasol base according to any one of claims 16-18, wherein at least two arms are formed from at least one split beam.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arms together define one flat surface.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two arms are connected to each other by at least one crossbar, preferably positioned at a distance from the central portion of the parasol base, each crossbar being configured to support at least one counterweight biok.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each counterweight block comprises a container with at least one filling opening for filling the container with a mass-increasing substance, such as sand or water, wherein the at least one filling opening can preferably be closed by a closing lid. and/or through the top panel.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each counterweight block comprises a holder, wherein the holder comprises at least one bottom wall and at least one circumferential wall connecting to the bottom wall, wherein the circumferential wall forms a filling opening of the holder for filling the holder with a mass-increasing substance, such as sand or water, each container being closable by a lid and/or top panel of the parasol base.

The parasol base of claim 23, wherein the parasol base comprises a plurality of closing lids, each lid being configured to cooperate with, and preferably clamp onto, a peripheral wall of a container to substantially close the container.

25. Parasol base according to claim 23 or 24, wherein each holder comprises at least one discharge channel for draining rainwater from the filling opening of the holder and/or for carrying it away from a receiving space for the mass-increasing substance.

The parasol base of any preceding claim wherein, when installed, each counterweight block extends beyond the end portion of each adjacent arm.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of at least one counterweight block has a substantially triangular cross-section.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one counterweight body has an increasing cross section in the upward direction.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a part of a peripheral wall of each counterweight block forms part of a peripheral edge of the parasol base.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an end face of each arm is connected to a corner piece which forms part of a circumferential edge of the parasol base.

A parasol base according to claims 29 and 30, wherein, when installed, each corner piece connects on opposite sides to at least two counterweight blocks.

The parasol base of claim 30 or 31, wherein each corner piece includes a support surface for supporting a top panel placed on at least a portion of each corner piece.

A parasol base according to any one of claims 30-32, wherein each corner piece is provided with an upward edge, wherein the upward edges together form a top panel insertion space for inserting a top panel, in particular a tile, such that at least a part of the arm and part of the counterweight blocks is covered by the top panel.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer part of a circumferential wall of each counterweight block is provided with an upward edge, wherein the upward edges together form a top panel insertion space for inserting a top panel, in particular a tile, such as that at least part of the arm and part of the counterweight blocks are covered by the top panel

A parasol base according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the parasol base comprises at least one, preferably flat, top panel, in particular a tile, which is removably inserted into the insertion space of the top panel.

A parasol base according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the height of the upward edge of the corner pieces and/or the circumferential wall of the counterweight blocks is substantially equal to the height of the top panel.

The parasol base of any preceding claim, wherein the parasol base is configured to support a stem or shaft section of a parasol.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the parasol base comprises a foot bracket placed on top and fixed relative to the support frame and/or, if applied, the top panel, the foot bracket being configured to support a parasol, and in particular to be secured to a parasol.

A parasol base according to claim 38, wherein the parasol base comprises a clamping construction configured for clamping the foot bracket to the support frame, in particular to at least one top beam of the support frame.

A parasol base according to any one of claims 35-37, and any one of claims 38-39, wherein the top panel is interlocked between the support frame and the base bracket.

A parasol base according to any one of claims 35-37, and any one of claims 38-40, wherein the foot bracket is locked relative to the support frame such that the forces exerted on the foot bracket are substantially transferred to the support frame in instead of the top panel.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each receiving space has a lateral access opening, wherein each counterweight block can be slid into the lateral access opening of a receiving space.

A parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each counterweight, in particular each holder, can be locked relative to the support frame by means of at least one locking connection, in particular a clamping connection and/or snap connection.

An assembly of a parasol base according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one parasol which is mounted on the aforementioned parasol base, in particular on a foot bracket of the aforementioned parasol base.