Umbrella holding assembly

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12036952-B2
Application number	US-202217809439-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jun 28, 2022
Priority date	Jun 28, 2022
Publication date	Jul 16, 2024
Grant date	Jul 16, 2024

Abstract

An umbrella holding assembly includes a vehicle structure having a wall that defines an opening providing access to a receiving space, and a holder. The holder includes a receiving feature pivotably coupled to the vehicle structure and defining an inlet for receiving an umbrella. The receiving feature is operable to pivot relative to the vehicle structure through the opening from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the receiving feature is wholly within the receiving space. In the second position, the receiving feature is at least partially outside of the receiving space. The holder also includes a chute coupled to the receiving feature and operable to move relative to the receiving feature between retracted and extended positions. The holder further includes an end cap coupled to the chute distally from the receiving feature. The holder is movable between use and stowed conditions.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A vehicle, comprising:
a center console having a wall that includes a recess that defines a receiving space; and
a holder, comprising:
a receiving feature pivotably coupled to the center console and defining an inlet for receiving an umbrella, wherein the receiving feature is operable to pivot relative to the center console from a first position, wherein the receiving feature is positioned wholly within the receiving space, to a second position, wherein the receiving feature is positioned at least partially outside of the receiving space;
a chute coupled to the receiving feature and operable to move relative to the receiving feature between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the chute defines a hollow that is in communication with the inlet; and
an end cap coupled to the chute distally from the receiving feature, defining a drain hole, and having a stopper feature operable between a closed position, wherein the stopper feature is configured to generally prevent water from escaping through the drain hole, and an open position, wherein water is permitted to drain through the drain hole, the holder being movable between a use condition, wherein the receiving feature is in the second position, the chute is in the extended position, and the end cap is in a spaced relationship with an opening to the receiving space defined by the center console, and a stowed condition, wherein the receiving feature is in the first position, the chute is in the retracted position, and the end cap covers the opening.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the chute is configured to be compressed from the extended position to the retracted position, such that a distance between the receiving feature and the end cap in the extended position of the chute is greater than a distance between the receiving feature and the end cap in the retracted position of the chute.

3. The vehicle of claim 2 , wherein the chute comprises:
a corrugated conduit.

4. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the end cap includes an outer surface that is positioned opposite the hollow defined by the chute, wherein the outer surface is substantially flush with a portion of the wall of the center console adjacent to the opening in the stowed condition of the holder.

5. The vehicle of claim 4 , wherein the end cap further includes a protuberance that extends outward from the outer surface of the end cap, such that the protuberance is positioned outside of the receiving space in the stowed condition of the holder.

6. An umbrella holding assembly, comprising:
a vehicle structure having a wall that defines an opening that provides access to a receiving space, wherein the vehicle structure comprises a center console; and
a holder pivotably coupled to the vehicle structure and operable between a use condition, wherein the majority of the holder is positioned outside of the receiving space and the holder defines an elongated hollow configured to receive an umbrella therein, and a stowed condition, wherein the majority of the holder is positioned within the receiving space.

7. The umbrella holding assembly of claim 6 , wherein the holder includes a chute and an end cap coupled to the chute, wherein, in the use condition of the holder, the chute defines the elongated hollow and the end cap is positioned further than the chute from the opening, and wherein, in the stowed condition, the chute is positioned within the receiving space and the end cap covers the opening.

8. The umbrella holding assembly of claim 7 , wherein the end cap includes an outer surface that is positioned opposite the elongated hollow defined by the chute, wherein the outer surface is substantially flush with a portion of the wall of the vehicle structure adjacent to the opening in the stowed condition of the holder.

9. The umbrella holding assembly of claim 7 , wherein the chute comprises:
a corrugated conduit.

Assignees

• Ford Global Tech Llc

Inventors

• Navarro Cervera Cesar

Classifications

• B60R2011/0007

  Mid-console · CPC title

• B60R7/12 Primary

  for supporting umbrellas · CPC title