Portable, ergonomic, and selectively adjustable umbrella and seat support structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool accessories, such as buoyant floats, do not allow users to conveniently enjoy beverages in a pool environment without spilling, as they require constant holding and offer inadequate sun protection.
Innovation Solution
A portable, ergonomic, and selectively adjustable umbrella support structure with a base configured at a non-equilibrium sloped position, an articulating mechanism, and a cup holder tray, ensuring the base remains stable while the tray is maintained horizontally above the water level, allowing for adjustable shade and secure beverage holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional buoyant float is used in a pool, then the user can sit or sleep in the pool, but the user cannot conveniently hold beverages without spilling and has no sun protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single pool float structure: beverage holding capability through integrated cup holders, sun protection through an attached umbrella, and seating functionality. This merging eliminates the need for separate devices and allows users to enjoy beverages hands-free while protected from the sun.
Solution Approach 2:
The pool float is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides seating, beverage holding, and sun protection capabilities. The umbrella mechanism can be adjusted to provide shade, while cup holders securely hold beverages, making the single device universally useful for multiple recreational needs.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an umbrella is added to provide sun protection, then shade is available, but the structure becomes more complex and harder to stabilize
Solution Approach 1:
The umbrella is designed with adjustable and movable components, including a telescoping pole and rotatable canopy, allowing users to dynamically adjust the shade position and angle according to the sun's movement and personal preference. This dynamic design maintains effectiveness while managing structural complexity through modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The umbrella structure employs a nested design where the telescoping pole allows the canopy to be stored within the pole when not in use, and the overall umbrella assembly integrates into the pool float structure. This nesting minimizes storage space and reduces apparent structural complexity while maintaining full functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the cup holder tray is positioned high for easy access, then beverage accessibility improves, but the center of gravity rises causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the cup holder tray and umbrella mechanism to create a balanced center of gravity. The tray is elevated for accessibility but counterbalanced by the weighted base of the pool float and the positioning of the umbrella pole, preventing tipping while maintaining easy access to beverages.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to enjoy beverages and receive shade in a pool environment without spilling, with a stable and adjustable support structure that maintains the cup holder tray parallel to the water surface, addressing the inconvenience of conventional pool accessories.
Implementation Method 1
the beverage holding support structure has a center of gravity located proximate to the base and distal to the cup holder tray. Advantageously, the center of gravity is configured to prohibit the base from being tipped over from the non-equilibrium sloped position
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage holding support structure, for use in a pool, includes a base configured to be disposed at a non-equilibrium sloped position within a pool relative to a horizontal plane and parallel to a sloped bottom surface of the pool, a base connector connected to the base, an articulating mechanism adjustably coupled to the base connector and extended upwardly therefrom, at least one extension pole aligned with a centrally registered longitudinal axis and statically affixed to an upper portion of the articulating mechanism, and a cup holder tray attached to the at least one extension pole. The beverage holding support structure has a center of gravity configured to prohibit the base from being tipped over from the non-equilibrium sloped position while the cup holder tray is maintained at a horizontal position parallel to the horizontal plane above a top water level surface of the pool.