Pole Caddy Surround Structure for Stable Display and Object Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tables supported on elongated shafts, such as umbrella poles, lack sufficient strength for long-term use and do not provide a means to display indicia like mascots or logos, nor can they securely hold vessels with laterally projecting handles or prevent items from sliding or blowing off in windy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A pole caddy with a planar table portion and a lateral surround that provides added strength and an indicia display area, featuring a tubular projection for shaft support, pockets for various vessel sizes, and a method to securely attach to different shaft diameters, along with a kit for easy assembly and indicia display, including removable panels for changing messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If prior art tables supported on shafts are used, then a basic table surface is provided, but they lack sufficient strength for long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The pole caddy is constructed using composite materials, specifically a polymeric material that provides both structural strength and durability. The lateral surround acts as a reinforcing rib that strengthens the table portion while maintaining structural integrity for long-term outdoor use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior art tables are used, then a simple table structure is provided, but they do not provide a means for users to display their pride in, or allegiance, to a sports team
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to the table structure by incorporating a lateral surround that extends upward from the table surface. This lateral surround creates a new dimensional space specifically dedicated to displaying indicia, thereby enhancing adaptability without significantly complicating the overall table structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If prior art tables are used, then a basic surface is provided, but they were singularly absent in any capability for handling vessels with laterally projecting handles
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral surround is segmented into multiple functional zones: an upper surface for indicia display, side surfaces that create physical barriers, and a configuration that forms pockets. These segmented structures provide specialized capabilities for handling different types of vessels, including those with laterally projecting handles, without requiring a completely redesigned table structure.
4Reliability
If prior art tables are used, then a simple structure is provided, but they did not provide structure for maintaining objects in place in windy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral surround creates curved and contoured surfaces that form pockets and recesses. These curved structures naturally conform to the shapes of various objects and vessels, providing mechanical interlocking that prevents items from sliding or blowing off in windy conditions, thereby enhancing reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A pole caddy (10) has a planar table portion (12), a shaft-engaging portion in the form of a tubular projection (32) and a lateral surround (14) orthogonal to the planar portion (12), the lateral surround (14) including an indicia display area (15) and including a rim (14a) that extends above the planar table portion (12.