Umbrella Stand Mounting Between Deck Joists
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing umbrella stands for outdoor decks and docks are often displaced by impacts or wind, are difficult to mount, and lack durability and sturdiness, leading to exposure above the flooring structure when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A metal umbrella stand with a U-shaped bracket, sleeve, and umbrella shaft receiving tube is designed to be secured between parallel joists, featuring a sleeve that elongates the umbrella shaft, includes locating pins for stability, and is made to fit common joist spacings, ensuring the stand is flush with the deck surface and securely fastened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If moveable weighted stands are used to support the umbrella, then the stand can be moved or removed as desired, but the stand can be undesirably displaced by impacts or wind forces
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is divided into separate components: a mounting structure that attaches to the deck and a weighted base that provides stability. This segmentation allows the mounting structure to be firmly fixed while the base remains adjustable and movable for repositioning as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is pre-installed and firmly attached to the deck before the umbrella is positioned. This preliminary action creates a stable anchor point that prevents displacement by wind or impacts, while the umbrella and base can still be moved or repositioned later.
2Reliability
If directly mounted stands are used to attach to joists, then the stand is sturdy and durable, but the stand is difficult to mount and may expose parts above the flooring
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is designed to nest between the joists, with components fitting into the existing deck structure. The mounting wings fit between joists, and the central beam nests within the deck framework, creating a compact installation that doesn't protrude above the flooring while remaining easy to install.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure transitions from a vertical protruding design to a horizontal integration between joists. By utilizing the space between joists in the horizontal dimension, the stand achieves durability without vertical exposure above the deck surface.
3Shape
If the stand is designed to fit between joists, then the stand remains concealed when not in use, but the stand must precisely match common joist spacings
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is designed with universal dimensions that accommodate standard joist spacings (16 inches and 24 inches on center). The mounting wings and central beam can be configured to fit various common deck constructions, making the stand adaptable to different deck types while maintaining concealment.
Data Source
AI summary
An umbrella shaft supporting stand adapted to be secured between a pair of parallel joists, wherein the joists each include parallel side surfaces which face and are spaced from each other a distance X. The supporting stand comprises a U-shaped bracket defined by a pair of wings and a central beam extending therebetween. A sleeve is secured to the bracket beam and defines a bore adapted to receive an umbrella shaft receiving tube which receives an umbrella shaft, or which directly receives an umbrella shaft. Each of the wings include parallel side surfaces that face away from and are spaced from each other a distance that matches the distance X. The bracket is secured to the joists by locating the wings between the joists with each of the wing side surfaces located adjacent to and facing a respective joist side surface and fastening the wings to the respective adjacent joist.