Locking assembly for stanchion

[0001] The present application is based on and a claim of priority is made under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to a provisional patent application currently pending in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, namely, that having Ser. No. 60/765,839 and a filing date of Feb. 7, 2006.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to an assembly structured to removably and automatically secure the mast or center pole of an umbrella, or other stanchion type structure whether or not associated with an umbrella, to a supporting base. At least one locking member is disposed and configured to automatically, movably and interruptively engage predetermined exterior surface portions of the mast or stanchion as it is being mounted on the base. The need for a manual positionable locking device, such as a locking pin, threaded locking knob or like connector is thereby eliminated.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] The use of large outdoor umbrellas at cafés and in recreational areas has become common-place due, at least in part, to their highly valued esthetic appearance, as well as their ability to provide shade and other protection from ambient weather conditions. Because outdoor umbrellas and like shade structures are relatively large and frequently subjected to strong wind conditions, it is important to provide adequate stability in the form of an anchor or support base. As used herein, the wording “support base” is meant to be descriptive of any of a large number of conventional or customized base structures used to support a variety of different structures such as, but not limited to, large outdoor umbrellas. Accordingly, the weight of conventional support bases of the type described may vary dependent upon the object or device being supported. As such, support bases utilized to anchor outdoor umbrellas, as well as other devices having a center pole, supporting mast or similar stanchion-like structure are made sufficiently heavy to provide adequate stability to the supported object.

[0006] In use, the umbrella mast, center pole or stanchion-like structure associated therewith has a lower or distal end dimensioned and configured to be removably received within a sleeve-like mounting assembly. The mounting assembly is fixedly secured to the weighted base using known connection mechanisms or is integrally or otherwise attached thereto. Therefore, cooperative structuring between the lower or distal end of the stanchion of the umbrella and interior of the sleeve-like mounting assembly facilitates removable passage of the distal end into and out of the interior of the mounting sleeve. The need to secure the umbrella stanchion to a weighted supporting base is apparent when considering that the exposure of the umbrella to even light or moderate wind conditions could, in certain instances, cause significant lifting forces to be exerted thereon. More specifically, absent an effective locking assembly, an open umbrella can be subjected to sufficient lifting forces to cause a separation of the umbrella from the base. Clearly, the inadvertent separation of the umbrella from the supporting base has the potential to present hazardous conditions, both to individuals and/or other property within the area, as well as the potential to severely damage the umbrella itself.

[0007] Accordingly, in order to prevent such inadvertent separation of the umbrella from the weighted, supporting base, a locking assembly is typically provided. Conventional or known locking assemblies of the type referred to often include an insertable pin which passes through both the exterior of the mounting sleeve and an aligned channel or passage formed in the lower or distal end of the umbrella mast. Other locking assemblies used for this purpose include a threaded locking knob which is threadedly secured to the sleeve portion of the mounting assembly and which is externally accessible for hand manipulation. As such, a threaded locking finger or shaft of the knob is forced against the exterior surface of or through the distal end of the umbrella mast or supporting stanchion.

[0008] While known and/or conventional locking assemblies of the type described above are considered to be at least minimally effective for their intended purpose of securing the umbrella to the supporting base, each requires manual manipulation or positioning to accomplish secure interconnection of the umbrella mast or supporting stanchion to the base, in the manner described. Such manual application of the conventional locking assemblies is inconvenient, relatively time consuming and frequently difficult to accomplish by a single individual installing the umbrella on the supporting base. Also, because of the inconvenience associated with such manual manipulation, irresponsible individuals may not properly secure such known locking devices in the required fashion. If not properly secured, the conventional locking assemblies may be inadequately positioned to accomplish the intended locking attachment of the umbrella to the base in a manner which will prevent inadvertent removal of the umbrella.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need in the field associated with the manufacture, installation and/or utilization of large umbrellas and other stanchion supported structures for a new and improved locking assembly. Such an improved, proposed locking assembly should preferably be structured to removably and yet securely mount a supporting stanchion to an anchoring support base in a manner which overcomes the known problems and disadvantages associated with conventional locking assemblies, such as those described above. Moreover, if any such improved locking assembly were developed, it would ideally be structured to “automatically” accomplish a locking interconnection, such as between the distal end of a stanchion or like structure and a weighted or other supporting base, without the need for excessive manual manipulation. However, any locking assembly developed to allow for such “automatic” locking interconnection should be secure, while permitting quick and easy removal of the stanchion from the support base with only a minimal amount of manipulation.

[0010] Any such improved locking assembly would also preferably be readily adaptable for use with a base having a sleeve-like mounting structure for receiving and holding the distal end of the stanchion. Further, any such improved locking assembly should be readily adaptable for use with like mounting structures associated with weighted, anchored or other bases of various dimensions and configurations and structurally corresponding stanchions supported thereby. Finally, any such improved locking assembly would ideally also be of simple construction, yet sufficiently strong and durable to have a long operative life, even when used and/or stored in an outdoor environment or when exposed to adverse weather conditions.

[0011] This invention is directed to a locking assembly intended primarily for use with large outdoor umbrellas in hopes of presenting a solution to the long felt needs described above. As such, the present invention is structured to automatically secure the mast of an umbrella or other stanchion-like structures to a supporting base or like anchoring assembly, and preferably, also in a manner which allows for it to be removed therefrom, when that is desired. While a most preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with specific reference to a support pole or mast associated with an outdoor umbrella, it is emphasized that the locking assembly of the present invention can be utilized to removably, securely and automatically connect a variety of different stanchion-like structures to a supporting and/or anchoring base, the base preferably being of the type incorporating a sleeve-like mounting structure.

[0012] As such, the mounting sleeve is structured to receive a free, distal end of the mast or stanchion within its interior. The umbrella or other assembly associated with the stanchion is thereby removably connected to the base in a secure and safe manner. Distinguishing structural features of the locking assembly further facilitate the quick and easy removal and release of the mast or stanchion with minimal manual manipulation thereof. For purposes of clarity, the term “stanchion” will be used to generally describe any of a plurality of masts or support poles associated with an outdoor umbrella or any type of elongated, substantially upright supporting structure associated with a variety of devices or assemblies, other than outdoor umbrellas.

[0013] More specifically, the one or more preferred embodiments of the locking assembly of the present invention comprise a mounting structure connected to a base or like anchoring device, wherein the mounting structure removably receives or is otherwise connected to the free or distal end of the stanchion. The mounting structure may be fixedly connected, integrally secured or otherwise attached to the base and structured to interconnect the stanchion to the base in an intended and supported manner. A locking assembly is connected to the mounting structure by being at least partially fixed on an exterior portion thereof.

[0014] Further, the locking assembly includes a locking member pivotally or otherwise movably disposable between what may be referred to as a locked orientation and a released orientation. As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the locked orientation of the locking member may be at least partially defined by an end or head portion of the locking member is disposed in interruptive engagement with an exterior portion of the stanchion which is disposed on the interior of the mounting structure. In contrast, the aforementioned released orientation of the locking member may be defined by a sliding engagement of the end or head portion or other portion of the locking member with an exterior portion of the stanchion disposed within the mounting structure. When in the released orientation the locking member will not interruptively interfere with the movement of the end portion of the stanchion into or out of the mounting structure. In addition and as also explained in greater detail hereinafter, in at least one embodiment of the locking assembly, the aforementioned released orientation may also be defined by disposition of the end or head portion of the locking member substantially out of engagement with the distal end of the stanchion and at least partially out of the interior of the mounting structure. It is of further note that the mounting structure may comprise an elongated sleeve like configuration having an open end and a hollow interior along at least a portion of the length thereof. However, the mounting structure can be defined by a variety of other structures, configurations, dimensions, etc. as long as there is cooperative structuring and functioning between the distal end or other engaged portion of the stanchion and the mounting structure which facilitates interconnection, support and positioning of the stanchion relative to the base in an intended manner.

[0015] As set forth above, one feature of a most preferred embodiment of the locking assembly of the present invention comprises the ability to automatically secure and removably connect or “lock” the stanchion to the base through interconnection with the mounting structure. This automatic, secure connection is accomplished without the need for manual manipulation of the locking assembly or any parts associated therewith. Similarly, the reliability of the locking assembly of the present invention provides enhanced safety features which require manual positioning of the locking member into the aforementioned released position, thereby ensuring that the stanchion cannot be inadvertently removed or detached from the supporting base due to ambient wind conditions or accidentally by an attending individual.

[0016] In at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, accomplishment of the automatic, locking interconnection of the stanchion to the supporting base is facilitated by the structure, configuration and/or disposition of a head portion of the locking member relative to the distal end or other portion of the stanchion which is received by the mounting sleeve. Moreover, the end portion includes a curvilinear outer surface and as set forth above, the end portion in this preferred embodiment is disposed and structured to substantially define a head portion of the locking member. Moreover, the end or head portion is configured to serve as and be more specifically defined as a cam structure. The cam structure is capable of establishing both a sliding, non-interruptive engagement with exterior portions of the stanchion end and an interruptive engagement with predetermined exterior surface portions of the stanchion located within the mounting sleeve. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the aforementioned interruptive engagement or disposition of the cam-like head portion of the locking member will serve to removably but securely connect the inserted end of the stanchion to the mounting structure. Moreover, the removal of the stanchion from the mounting structure and the base can only be accomplished by a purposeful, manual manipulation of the locking member into the aforementioned released orientation.

[0017] Accordingly, many of the various problems and disadvantages associated with conventional and prior art devices and assemblies for connecting a stanchion to a support base or like anchoring structure are overcome by virtue of the automatically operable locking assembly, as described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, a secure but removable interconnection of the stanchion to the supporting base is accomplished, while preventing inadvertent removal thereof by requiring at least a minimal manual manipulation of the locking assembly into the released orientation.

[0018] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

[0040] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

[0041] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is directed to a locking assembly which is structured to removably secure an outdoor umbrella or like structure 10 in an operative position, as demonstrated in FIG. 1. More specifically, a central or otherwise positioned mast, support pole or stanchion 12 is removably secured to a supporting base 14 by being interconnected thereto through the provision of a mounting structure, generally indicated as 16.

[0042] As is well-known, an umbrella assembly 10, especially when utilized in an outdoor environment, can be subjected to lifting forces and the like even during light to moderate wind conditions, when the canopy 20 is in its expanded or operative position. At times, such external forces can have the strength and ability to separate the mast 12 from the supporting base 14 by detachment from the mounting structure 16. Such inadvertent removal or detachment of the umbrella assembly 10 from its intended, supported position as represented in FIG. 1 provides hazardous conditions to persons and/or property in the area where the umbrella assembly 10 is located, as well as possibly causing damage or destruction to umbrella itself, or various components associated with the umbrella assembly 10. Accordingly, one feature of the present invention is to provide a secure, stable and “automatically” activated locking assembly, generally indicated as 24 in FIG. 1 and represented in detail in FIGS. 2 through 8. Moreover, the locking assembly 24 will maintain the umbrella assembly 10, and in particular, the stanchion 12 in its upright, supported position relative to the base 14 and the mounting structure 16.

[0043] As used herein, the base 14 may assume a variety of different dimensions and configurations and may differ significantly in its overall structure. Conventionally, the weight of support base 14, of the type represented herein, may vary dependent upon the object or device being supported. However, many support bases 14 are intentionally made to be sufficiently heavy or be otherwise “anchored” to provide adequate stability to the object or assembly being supported, such as the umbrella assembly 10. This is especially true when the umbrella or other supported device is positioned in an outdoor environment. As also represented in FIG. 1, the canopy 20 is normally connected to the upper end or portion of the supporting stanchion 12, wherein the lower or distal end or portion of the mast 12 is interconnected to the supporting base 14 such as by being inserted and retained within the interior of the mounting structure 16.

[0044] Moreover, connection of the mast or stanchion 12 is accomplished by inserting the lower or distal end thereof within a mounting sleeve or like portion 18 of the mounting structure 16. The sleeve 18 has an at least partially hollow interior along at least a portion of its length and an open outer, exposed end 19. The opposite end of the mounting sleeve 18 is fixedly and/or integrally connected to the base 14, such as by means of a connecting flange or plate 22. Fixed and/or permanent interconnection between the mounting structure 16 and the base 14 may be accomplished by a variety of different connection or attachment structures other than the connecting plate 22. Also, the connecting plate 22 may include different configurations adaptable to the dimension and/or configuration of the base 14.

[0045] With primary reference to FIGS. 2 through 8, a most preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises the locking assembly generally indicated as 24 being at least partially disposed on an exterior of the sleeve 18 of the mounting structure 16. More specifically, the locking assembly 24 includes a locking member generally indicated as 26 comprising an end portion or head portion 28 and an elongated arm 30 integrally or otherwise fixedly connected to the end or head portion 28 and movable therewith. The locking member 26 is pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the mounting structure 16 such as by a mounting or pivot pin 32 connected to and extending between supporting flanges or ears 34. As represented, the supporting flanges 34 are fixedly secured to the exterior surface of the mounting sleeve 18 so as to provide adequate support for the locking member 26 at least partially by its connection to mounting pin 32.

[0046] The pivotal or other movable mounting and positioning of the locking member 26 enables it to be disposed into and between a fully locked orientation as demonstrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and 7 and a fully released orientation as demonstrated in FIG. 8. The pivotal or otherwise movable connection of the locking member 26 relative to the mounting sleeve 18 further facilitates it assuming a variety of additional orientations, as demonstrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, as it is automatically or manually positioned between the fully locked orientation of FIGS. 2, 4 and 7 and the fully released orientation of FIG. 8.

[0047] When in the locked orientation, as primarily represented in FIG. 7, the locking member 26 and in particular the end portion or head portion 28 is disposed into what may be referred to as an “interruptive” position relative to a predetermined portion of the mast or stanchion 12, which is disposed within the interior of the mounting sleeve 18. When in this fully locked orientation, the head portion 28 engages and “interrupts” a predetermined exterior surface portion 40, of the stanchion 12. The distal end of stanchion 12 is thereby prohibited from being removed from the interior of the mounting sleeve 18 until the locking member 26 is purposely and manually disposed into the released orientation as demonstrated in FIG. 8. Directional arrow 42 provides a schematic representation of a lifting or upwardly directed force exerted on the arm 30 of the locking member 26, such as by a finger, hand or other gripping facility of an individual authorized to remove the stanchion 12 from its supported, upright, operative position, as demonstrated in FIG. 1.

[0048] In order to automatically assume the locked orientation of FIG. 7, the locking member 26 and specifically the end portion or head portion 28 includes a predetermined structure. Also, when the stanchion is absent from the interior of the mounting sleeve 18, the head portion 28 is normally and at least partially disposed into the interior of the mounting sleeve 18 through an appropriately dimensioned and positioned, opening or window 44 formed in the side wall of the mounting sleeve 18 as represented in FIG. 2. Moreover, the predetermined structure and configuration of the end or head portion 28 comprises a cam structure. The cam structure or configuration of the head portion 28, as well as its normal disposition relative to the mounting sleeve 18 before the entry therein of the stanchion 12, facilitates the “automatic” disposition of the locking member 26 out of the normal position of FIG. 2 and eventually into the locked orientation of FIG. 7. As set forth above, the head portion 28 is automatically disposed into the aforementioned interruptive engagement with a predetermined exterior surface portion 40 of the stanchion 12.

[0049] The cam structure or cam-like configuration of the end or head portion 28 is at least partially defined by a curved exterior surface portion 28′ which extends into the interior of the mounting sleeve 18 when oriented as demonstrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and 7. It should also be noted that the curved exterior surface 28′ is cooperatively dimensioned and configured with the predetermined exterior surface portion 40 of the stanchion 12 to facilitate the locking, interruptive engagement therewith. Cooperative dimensioning and structuring of the exterior surface or cam structure 28′ and the predetermined exterior surface portion 40 of the stanchion 12 also facilitates and/or enables the locking member 26 to automatically assume the locked orientation and interruptive engagement demonstrated in FIG. 7.

[0050] In use and with primary reference to FIG. 2, when the mounting sleeve 18 is not occupied by the distal end of the stanchion 12, the locking member 26 will normally assume an initial orientation which may also be described as the “released” orientation, as set forth in greater detail hereinafter. This initial and or released orientation is accomplished, at least in part, due to the pivotal connection of the locking member with or about the pin 32 as well as the influence of gravity on the locking member 26. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, upon entry of the stanchion 12 through the open end 19 and passage thereof into and along the interior of the mounting sleeve 18, as represented by directional arrow 46, the free or lowermost extremity 12′ of the stanchion 12 will engage the curved exterior surface 28′ defining the cam structure portion of the head 28. Such engagement will cause an outwardly and upwardly pivotal movement of the locking member 26 as demonstrated by directional arrow 48 in FIG. 4. As the distal extremity 12′ passes the head portion 28 and the window 44, correspondingly disposed exterior surface portions of the stanchion 12 will come into sliding engagement with the exterior curved surface 28′, as demonstrated in FIG. 5. This continuous sliding engagement will maintain the locking member 26 in an outwardly extending, at least partially raised position as demonstrated by directional arrow 50.

[0051] However, once the head portion 28 comes into alignment with and is correspondingly positioned with the predetermined, exterior surface portion 40 of the stanchion 12, the locking member 26 will begin to rotate inwardly and/or downwardly, under the influence of gravity, as schematically represented in FIG. 6 by directional arrow 56. This inward and/or downward movement 56 of the locking member 26 is permitted due to the cooperative dimensions and configurations of the surface 28′ and the exterior surface portion 40 of the stanchion 12 as also represented in FIG. 6.

[0052] Accordingly, the locking member 26 will eventually and automatically assume its fully locked orientation as demonstrated in FIG. 7. As such, the head portion 28 and in particular the exterior surface 28′ of the locking member 26 will be disposed in interruptive engagement with the exterior of the stanchion 12 as the head portion 28 passes at least partially into the annular or circular recessed surface defining the predetermined exterior portion 40 of the stanchion 12.

[0053] As set forth above, in order to prevent inadvertent or forced removal of the stanchion from its locked and secured position on the interior of the mounting sleeve 18, the locking member 26 must be manually or otherwise deliberately disposed into the fully released orientation represented in FIG. 8. This released orientation serves to position the head portion 28 substantially or at least partially out of the window 44 and also out of its interruptive engagement with the recessed surface portion defining the predetermined exterior surface portion 40 of the stanchion 12, as represented in FIG. 7. The stanchion 12 is then allowed to be withdrawn outwardly and removed from the interior of the mounting sleeve 18 through the open end 19, as schematically demonstrated by directional arrow 52.

[0054] Accordingly, one preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises the predetermined exterior surface portion 40 having an at least partially circular or annular configuration extending substantially continuously and transversely about the periphery of the stanchion 12. However, another preferred embodiment of the present invention is represented in FIGS. 6A and 6B, wherein the predetermined external surface portion comprises at least one, but preferably a plurality of “dimples” or “recessed surface segments” 40′ disposed in spaced relation to one another. Moreover, when a plurality of the recessed surface segments 40′ are provided, they are collectively disposed in an annular array which surrounds or at least partially extends about the periphery of the stanchion 12 in transverse relation to the length thereof.

[0055] Accordingly, when the recessed surface segments 40′ are utilized, the locking member 26 passes into the aforementioned interruptive locking engagement with the stanchion 12 when the head portion 28 and locking surface 28′ become aligned with one of the recessed surface segments 40′. When such alignment occurs, each of the one or more recessed surface segments 40′ are sufficiently and cooperatively configured relative to the head portion 28 and/or locking surface 28′ to allow the locking member 26 to assume the fully locked orientation as represented in FIG. 6B. Further, one preferred structuring of one or more of the recessed surface segments 40′ includes a generally round, oval or similar configuration having a generally concave interior portion.

[0056] As with the additional preferred embodiments of FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the fully locked orientation of the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B may be at least partially defined by the locking member 26 and more specifically the head portion 28 and locking surface 28′ being disposed in interruptive engagement with the predetermined exterior surface portion comprising the one or more recessed surface segments 40′. Moreover, the interruptive engagement of the locking member 26 and head portion 28 may be more specifically defined by the locking surface 28′ being at least partially disposed within an aligned one of the one or more recessed surface segments 40′ and in confronting engagement with interior portions thereof. As with the embodiments of FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B may easily and efficiently be disposed in the released orientation by manually exerting a lifting, pulling or generally upwardly directed force 42 on the locking member 26, as schematically represented in the embodiment of FIG. 8.

[0057] Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention is represented in FIGS. 6C and 6D wherein the predetermined external surface portion comprises at least one but preferably a plurality of elongated recessed surface segments 40″. When a plurality of the elongated recess surface segments 40″ are utilized, they are disposed in spaced relation to one another and are collectively disposed in a partially or substantially annular array, which surrounds or at least partially extends transversely about the periphery of this stanchion 12.

[0058] Therefore, when the recessed surface segments 40″ are utilized, the locking member 26 passes into the aforementioned interruptive locking engagement with the stanchion 12 when the head portion 28 and locking surface 28′ become aligned with one of the elongated recessed surface segments 40″. When such alignment occurs, each of the one or more recessed surface segments 40″ are sufficiently and cooperatively configured relative to the head portion 28 and/or locking surface 28′ to allow the locking member 26 to assume the fully locked orientation as represented in FIG. 6D. As with the additional preferred embodiments of the locking assembly, as demonstrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7 and 8, the fully locked orientation of the embodiment of FIGS. 6C and 6D may be at least partially defined by the locking member 26 and more specifically the head portion 28 and the locking surface 28′ being disposed in interruptive engagement with the interior of a correspondingly positioned one of the recessed surface segments 40″. Moreover, the interruptive engagement of the locking member 26 and the head portion 28 may be more specifically defined by the locking surface 28′ being at least partially disposed within an aligned one of the recessed surface segments 40″ and in confronting engagement with one or more interior portions thereof such as at a lower most end or ledge 43. As with the embodiments with FIGS. 6, 6A, 6B, 7 and 8, the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 6C and 6D may be easily and efficiently disposed in the released orientation by manually exerting a lifting, pulling or generally upwardly directed force 42 on the locking member 26 as schematically represented in FIG. 8.

[0059] However, absent the manual lifting, pulling or generally upwardly directed force 42 on the locking member 26, any attempt to remove the stanchion 12 from its locked position as demonstrated in FIG. 6D will result in the head 28 and the locking surface 28′ coming in to abutting, interruptive engagement with at least the lower most end or ledge 43 of a corresponding one of the recessed surface segments 40″. Therefore unintended or inadvertent removal of the stanchion 12 from the sleeve 18, such as during strong wind conditions, will be prevented as long as the locking member 26 is in the locked orientation as demonstrated in FIGS. 6B, 6D and 7.

[0060] Accordingly, the assembly of the present invention thereby provides a convenient, quick and efficient “automatic” interconnection of the mast or stanchion 12 into the interior of the mounting sleeve 18 of the mounting structure 16 thereby serving to automatically secure it in its supporting relation on the weighted base 14. Release of the stanchion 12 is easily and efficiently accomplished by manually positioning the locking member 26 in the fully released orientation of FIG. 8. The problems and disadvantages associates with known or conventional interconnecting structures for securing a center pole and/or stanchion 12 through a base 14 are thereby overcome.

[0061] With primary reference to FIGS. 9 through 15, the locking assembly of the present invention comprises yet another preferred embodiment generally indicated as 24′. More specifically, the locking assembly 24′ includes one or more locking members 60 each pivotally or rotatably mounted on the sleeve 18 of the mounting assembly 16. Such pivotal or rotational mounting is provided by means of supporting pivot pins 62 secured to spaced apart flanges 34 and/or directly to the sleeve 18 of the mounting assembly 16. The pivot pins 62 serve to support the corresponding locking members 60 such that they may be automatically disposed in either an initial, operative orientation as represented in FIGS. 9 through 11, or a locked orientation as represented in FIG. 13 and manually disposed in a released orientation as represented in FIG. 14. It is emphasized that while the locking assembly 24′ is represented in FIGS. 9 through 15 as comprising a plurality of movable locking members 60, this embodiment of the locking assembly 24′ may be modified to include only a single locking member 60, as will be apparent from the more detailed description hereinafter provided.

[0062] Each of the one or more locking members 60 is structured to normally assume an initial, operative position as represented in FIGS. 9 and 15. This normally assumed operative position may be accomplished by the overall structuring of each of the locking members 60 to include a distal and/or first portion 64 being disposed inwardly into the interior of the mounting assembly 16 through a corresponding window 44. A second portion 66 is disposed exteriorly of the interior of the mounting assembly 16 relative to the correspondingly disposed windows 44, which are described in detail with regard to the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 2 through 8.

[0063] Further, the locked orientation of the one or more locking members 60 is further defined by the second portion 66 disposed in abutting, stopped relation to a correspondingly disposed stop member 68. As represented in FIGS. 9 and 10, the stop members 68 may be fixedly secured to corresponding ones of the flanges 34 so as to extend there between. In this position the stop members 68 will engage an exterior surface of the second portion 66 of each of the locking members 60.

[0064] It is further emphasized that the automatic biasing into the initial, operative position of each of the one or more locking members 60 into the orientation represented in FIGS. 9, 10 and 15 may be due to the location of the supporting pivot pins 62, the stop member 68 and/or the customized structuring of each of the one or more locking members 60. More specifically, each of the one or more second portions 66 may have a greater size and weight due at least in part to the location of the pivot pin 62 being below the mid-point of the locking member 60. Accordingly, when under the influence of gravity and not engaged or otherwise being influenced by the presence of a stanchion 12, the locking member(S) 60 will automatically and normally assume the original, initial operative position as represented in FIGS. 9 through 11, 15 and 16. When the stanchion is properly placed within sleeve 18, as described in greater detail hereinafter, the locking member(s) 60 will automatically assume the locked orientation as represented in FIG. 13.

[0065] Alternatively, the additional embodiment of FIG. 16 incorporates a biasing assembly generally indicated as 69, which may be in the form of a spring or other biasing structure. The biasing structure or assembly 69 may be associated with the pivot pin 62 or otherwise disposed in operative association with each of the one or more locking members 60. Moreover, the biasing assembly 69 may be in the form of a coil spring, having an outwardly depending finger as at 69′ engaging the outer surface of the one or more locking members 60 below the disposition of the corresponding pivot pin 62. Accordingly, the force exerted on the one more locking members 60 by a corresponding biasing assembly 69 serves to force the locking members 60 into the aforementioned initial or operative position of FIGS. 9 through 11, 15 and 16, as well as the locking orientation of FIG. 13.

[0066] Absent the influence of a stanchion 12 within the interior of sleeve 18 of the mounting assembly 16, the one or more locking members 60 will assume an initial, operative position demonstrated in FIGS. 9 through 11. However, as the stanchion 12 enters the interior of the mounting assembly 16, as through the open end 19 of sleeve 18 and in accord with the directional arrow 46 represented in FIG. 12, the end 12′ of the stanchion 12 will eventually be disposed in corresponding and engaging relation to the one or more locking members 60 and in particular the first portions thereof as at 64. With further reference to FIG. 12, continued passage of the stanchion 12 in accordance with the directional arrow 46 into the interior of the sleeve 18 of the mounting assembly 16 will automatically dispose the one or more locking members 60 into the released orientation. This is due to the fact that the outer surface of the stanchion 12 will movably engage and force the first portion 64 outwardly from the interior of the sleeve 18. Accordingly, the released orientation represented in FIG. 12, comprises the one or more locking members 60 disposed in substantially aligned relation to the corresponding windows 44. However, in this position the first portions 64 and/or other portions of the locking members 60 may be partially offset from alignment with the windows 44 while slidingly engaging the outer surface of the stanchion 12 during its progressive travel into and along the length of the sleeve 18.

[0067] With reference to FIG. 13, the stanchion 12 includes a predetermined exterior surface area 40′″ defined by an undercut or recessed area and a ledge portion 41. The predetermined surface area 40′″ and ledge 41, which is formed at a predetermined location along a length of the stanchion 12, will eventually pass into the interior of the sleeve 18 of the mounting portion 16. Therefore, when the predetermined exterior surface portion 40′″ is substantially aligned with the one or more locking members 60, the one or more locking members 60 will automatically assume a locked orientation as demonstrated in FIG. 13. This is due to the fact that the one or more locking members 60 will normally be biased or structured to assume the initial, operative position of FIGS. 9 through 11 and 15. The position of the locking members 60 in these Figures is the same as the locking orientation as set forth in FIG. 13.

[0068] However, when in the locking orientation of FIG. 13 the first portions 64 and/or a distal ends of the one or more locking members 60 pass at least partially into the recessed exterior surface area 40′″ and into abutting engagement with the ledge 41 formed as part of the recessed surface area 40′″. Moreover, the automatic disposition of the one or more locking members 60 into the locked orientation of FIG. 13 is accomplished by a normal or biased tendency of the one or more locking members 60 to automatically assume the initial operative orientation demonstrated in FIGS. 9 through 11, which will then define the locked orientation of the one more locking members 60 when they are disposed in alignment with the recessed exterior surface area or portion 40′″ as represented in FIG. 13. Also while the recessed surface area 40′″ of the stanchion 12 is aligned with the locking assembly 24′, the provision of the aforementioned stop member 68 will facilitate maintenance of the one or more locking members 60 into locking, abutting engagement with the ledge 41 of the recessed exterior surface area 40′″. The stanchion 12 will thereby be prohibited from being inadvertently removed from the interior of the mounting assembly 16, such as during the presence of uplifting forces on the umbrella 10, which may be caused by high wind conditions or the like.

[0069] However, when it is desired to remove the stanchion 12 from the interior of the mounting assembly 16, the one or more locking members 60 are manually positioned into the released orientation as demonstrated in FIG. 14. Such an intended, manual positioning of the locking member 60 in the released orientation of FIG. 14 is accomplished by inwardly directed forces being exerted on the second portions 66 of each of the one or more locking members 60, as schematically indicated by directional arrows 74. Therefore, when the one or more locking members 60 are in the released orientation they are out of abutting, interruptive engagement with the recessed exterior surface portion 40′″ and/or the locking ledge 41 of the stanchion 12.

[0070] With reference to FIG. 15, continued withdrawal of the stanchion 12, as schematically represented by directional arrow 52, will dispose the lower portion of the stanchion 12, as well as the end or extremity 12′ thereof, out of alignment with the one or more locking members 60. This allows the locking members to assume the initial, operative position as represented in FIGS. 9 and 10, due to the inherent or external biasing forces exerted on the one more locking members 60, as set forth above.

[0071] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

[0072] Now that the invention has been described,