BACKGROUND

Decks and patios have become ubiquitous in modern society. To be sure, decks and patio areas are common to most homes throughout the world. These areas have given families, friends, and neighbors an opportunity to gather and socialize at home. In an effort to increase comfort and the residential feel of patios and decks, many people have decorated these areas with furniture and other such articles that one would commonly find in most socializing areas. In particular, these articles range from tables and chairs, to couches, side tables, and coffee tables. Other common articles found in these areas may include planter boxes, storage bins, outdoor lamps, and the like.

While such articles have made decks and patio areas more comfortable for socializing and outdoor living, homeowners have had to be cognizant of the effects of mother nature on such articles. For example, it may be common for individuals to â€œwinterizeâ€ these articles with covers or to store the articles in a remote location. Some articles are even covered continuously, when not in use, to protect them from rain. However, such covers and temporary protective devices have only protected the articles against sun and precipitation. Sustained winds and intermittent gusts can have serious damaging effects on articles supported by decks and patio areas. To be sure, deck furniture and other articles that are blown by severe gusts of wind also become missiles that can do damage to the home or adjacent property. One might be able to stack the furniture in a sheltered area of the deck or patio area or enclose the area altogether to form an â€œoutdoor roomâ€ . However, such solutions are impractical for frequent deck and patio area use when the feel of the outdoors is desired.

The prior art has heretofore been unable to adequately resolve the problem of protecting deck furniture and other articles from the effects of the wind. Some efforts attempt to increase the frictional engagement between the articles and the upper surface of the deck. However, wind is able to use many surfaces of such articles to lift them from the upper surface of a deck, making frictional engagement irrelevant. Other systems have employed various spikes and anchors that can secure the furniture to the upper surface of the deck. However, such systems have oftentimes been permanent, creating a problem when a table or chair needs to be moved to another area of the deck or patio area. Other solutions were provided to secure the articles to the upper surface using an anchor that required the use of a nut or other mechanical fastener on the underside of the deck. However, many decks and patio areas these days do not provide ready access to the underside of decks due to various water drainage systems and the proximity of the deck or patio area to the ground surface below. Moreover, such systems are typically difficult to install by a single person.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary, and the foregoing Background, is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the subject matter.

Anchoring systems for deck articles and methods of use are disclosed herein as technology that may be easily and removably employed by an individual. In one embodiment, at least one anchor is provided with an elongated stem having opposite first and second end portions. A leg extends outwardly from the second end portion of the stem at an angle with respect to a long axis of the stem. A securement line is also provided, having opposite first and second end portions. The first end portion of the securement line is operatively coupled with the first end portion of the anchor stem. The securement line is then coupled with one or more articles on the upper surface of a deck or patio area, restricting movement of the articles with respect to the deck.

In some embodiments, the second end portion of the securement line is removably secured to a structural feature of the article. This may be accomplished, in one embodiment, by tying the end of the securement line to a leg, brace, or other such feature. In other embodiments, mechanical fasteners, such as carabiners, hooks, and the like may be used at the second end portion of the securement line to engage a structural feature of the article. In other embodiments, at least a second anchor may be used within the system. The second anchor and first anchor may be positioned adjacent the article to be secured while the securement line extends from the second end portion of one anchor stem to the second end portion of the second anchor stem while a length of the securement line extends over or through a structural feature of the article.

In some embodiments, the anchor is coupled with the deck by passing the leg and at least a portion of the stem between portions of the deck and, after the leg of the anchor is below the lower surface of the deck, rotating the anchor so that at least a portion of the leg of the anchor is positioned directly beneath a portion of the deck. In some embodiments, this may involve passing the anchor between adjacent boards or other separate structural elements of a deck or patio area. In other instances, an aperture may be formed through such a deck structure and the anchor simply threaded through the aperture to dispose a portion of the anchor beneath the deck. In some embodiments, the first end portion of the anchor stem is shaped to resist passage of the first end portion of the anchor stem below the upper surface of the deck. This may, in certain embodiments, involve the formation of a loop or other similar structure at the second end portion of the stem. Such structures may resist passage of the anchor through the deck while also providing a structural feature to which the securement line may be operatively coupled. In some embodiments, a washer may be provided that is penetrated by the stem of the anchor. The washer may be placed closely adjacent the upper surface of the deck and shaped to resist passage of the first end portion of the anchor below the upper surface of the deck.

These and other aspects of the present system will be apparent after consideration of the Detailed Description and Figures herein. It is to be understood, however, that the scope of the invention shall be determined by the claims as issued and not by whether given subject matter addresses any or all issues noted in the Background or includes any features or aspects recited in this Summary.

DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention, including the preferred embodiment, are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 is a partial, exploded view of one embodiment of the anchoring system, demonstrating one manner in which an anchor may be removably coupled with a deck.

FIG. 2 is a partial, isometric view of one embodiment of the anchoring system, demonstrating one manner in which a securement line may be coupled with an anchor that is coupled with a portion of a deck.

FIG. 3 is a partial, isometric view of another embodiment of the anchoring system, demonstrating another manner in which a securement line may be coupled with an anchor that is coupled with a portion of a deck.

FIG. 4 is a partial, isometric view of one embodiment of the anchoring system, demonstrating one manner in which a securement line may be coupled with an article supported by a deck.

FIG. 5 is a partial, isometric view of another embodiment of the anchoring system, demonstrating another manner in which a securement line may be coupled with an article supported by a deck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

An anchoring system 10 for deck articles and methods of use as presented herein provide users with technology for limiting movement of articles, such as deck furniture, from moving with respect to a deck or patio area during windy conditions. As the terms â€œdeckâ€ and â€œpatio areaâ€ are used herein, it should be understood that the terms are generally interchangeable with one another and the commonly understood differences between the two are, for the most part, immaterial to the present technology. Accordingly, the term â€œdeckâ€ will primarily be used herein to describe both decks and patio areas. A deck 12 that may commonly be used with the anchoring system 10 may, in some embodiments, be comprised of a plurality of separate deck boards 14. The deck boards 14 may be comprised of nearly any material used in the industry, from natural wood materials to various composites and blends of the two. It is further contemplated that the deck boards 14 may be provided in any length and thickness for use with the present anchoring system 10. As will be apparent from the discussion that follows, it is further contemplated that the deck 12 may be comprised of a seamless upper deck and/or use a structure that otherwise obscures or renders the lower surface of the upper deck inaccessible by a user. In that regard, it is further contemplated that the deck 12 may be positioned on or near a ground surface, rendering the lower surface of the upper deck inaccessible to a user.

The anchoring system 10 may be used with nearly any conceivable article 16 that may be supported by a deck 12. Accordingly, examples, which should not be construed as limiting, may include various shapes and sizes of tables, chairs, couches, planting receptacles, lamps, and the like. It will be apparent from the discussion herein that the anchoring system 10 is sufficiently versatile to removably secure nearly any article 16 to nearly any configuration of deck 12.

With reference to FIG. 1, the anchoring system 10 will typically include at least one anchor 18 having an elongated stem 20 with a first end portion 22 and an opposite second end portion 24. A leg 26 will extend outwardly from the second end portion 24 of the stem 20 at an angle with respect to a long axis of the stem 20. While the figures generally depict the leg 26 as being an elongated structure extending at a roughly ninety degree angle from the stem 20, it is contemplated that other configurations may be used. For example, the leg 26 may be provided in a curved, angular, or other non-linear disposition. It is further contemplated that the angle at which the leg 26 deviates from the stem 20 may be far greater or less than a ninety degree angle. It will merely be important that at the angle used, that the anchor remain in a generally fixed position with respect to the deck 12 when the anchoring system 10 is being used. It is contemplated that the anchor 18 will be formed from a type of metal or blend of metals. However, it is contemplated that certain polymers and other composite materials may provide sufficient strength and resiliency for the uses of the anchoring system 10 outlined herein.

With reference to FIGS. 2-5, the anchoring system 10 will generally be provided with at least one securement line 28, having a first end portion 30 and a generally opposite second end portion 32. In many embodiments, the first end portion 30 of the securement line 28 will be operatively coupled with the first end portion 22 of the stem 20. It is contemplated that the first end portion 30 of the securement line 28 may be directly coupled with the first end portion 22 of the stem 20. In such instances, the first end portion 22 of the stem 20 may be shaped to include a structural feature such as a curved hook or loop 34, or other protrusion, to which the first end portion 30 of the securement line 28 may be secured. Accordingly, the first end portion 30 of the securement line 28 may be tied or otherwise adhered to the loop 34 or other shape structure provided at the first end portion 22 of the stem 20. It is also contemplated that the securement line 28 may be coupled with the stem 20 of the anchor 18 and merely use the loop 34 as a positive stop to prevent the likelihood of the securement line 28 from disengaging the anchor 18. In other embodiments, the engagement between the securement line 28 and the anchor 18 may be facilitated by the use of a mechanical fastener, such as the clip 36 depicted in FIG. 3. In such instances, the first end portion of the securement line 28 may be directly secured with the clip 36 by tying, adhering, or other such fashion. The clip 36, or other mechanical fastener, may then releasably or permanently engage the first end portion 32 of the stem 20. As the exemplary depiction in FIG. 3 demonstrates, a clip 36 may provide a convenient releasable connection between the securement line 28 and the anchor 18.

In use, an individual need only to couple the anchor 18 with the deck 12 adjacent the article 16 to be secured. In one embodiment, the anchor 18 is coupled with the deck 12 by passing the leg 26 and at least a portion of the stem 20 between portions of the deck 12 (such as the spaced apart deck boards 14 depicted). Once the leg 26 of the anchor 18 is positioned below a lower surface 38 of the deck 12, the anchor 18 may be rotated along the long axis of the stem 20 so that at least a portion of the leg 26 is positioned directly beneath a portion of the lower surface 38 of the deck 12. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the aforedescribed position of the anchor 18 in its secured position with the deck will limit, if not prevent, the anchor 18 from being withdrawn through the deck 12. This is accomplished, without gaining access to the lower surface 28 for securing nuts or other fasteners to an opposite end portion of the anchor 18, as required by other contemplated systems.

With the anchor 18 in a secure position with respect to the deck 12, at least a portion of the securement line 28 will extend above an upper surface 40 of the deck 12. In this manner, the securement line 28 may be coupled with a portion of the article 16 on the deck 12, such that movement of the article 16 with respect to the deck 12, is restricted. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the second end portion 32 of the securement line 28 may be directly secured with a structure feature of the article 16, much in the same way that the first end portion 30 could be coupled directly with the anchor 18. Therefore, in some embodiments, the second end portion 32 of the securement line 28 may be tied or adhered to a structural feature, such as a brace or leg, of the article 26. In other embodiments, a mechanical fastener, such as the clip 36, may be used to facilitate an engagement between the second end portion 32 of the securement line 28 and a structural feature associated with the article 16. In this manner, an easy, releasable engagement between the structures may be attained. With reference to FIG. 5, it is contemplated that some articles 16 may be secured in their relationship with the deck 12 without a direct coupling between the second end portion 32 of the securement line 28 and some structural feature associated with the article 16. In such manners, the securement line 28 may be coupled with the article 16 by extending across a portion of the article 16 and merely anchored at opposite portions of the article 16. In such embodiments, two or more anchors 18 may be used. In the example depicted, first and second anchors 18 are positioned on either side of a foot pedestal of an article 16. The securement line 28 is secured at its opposite end portions to the free ends of the two anchors 18. It is contemplated that three or four anchors may be used and positioned at various locations around the article 16 and one or more securement lines 28 used to extend through and between the multiple anchors 18. In this regard, the securement lines 28 may extend in non-intersecting or intersecting paths across portions of the article 16 as desired.

It is contemplated that the design of the deck 12 or the location of the article 16 to be secured will not afford the opportunity to couple the anchor 18 with the deck 12 by passing a portion of the anchor 18 between separate deck boards 14. With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, such situations may require that an aperture 42 be formed through the deck 12, from the upper surface 40 through the lower surface 48. The aperture 42 should be formed to have a diameter that is sufficient to enable the user to pass the anchor 18, leg 26 first, through the aperture 42 so that the leg 26 is disposed beneath the lower surface 38 of the deck 12. It is contemplated that the aperture 42 may be formed by traditional means, including drilling and the like. Using the technique of embedding the anchor 18 within an aperture 42 formed in the deck 12 will further enable stability of the anchor 18, preventing horizontal movement within a channel disposed between deck boards 14.

While it is contemplated that shaping the first end portion 22 of the stem 20 with a loop 34 or other such protrusion will substantially limit the ability of the anchor 18 to pass through an opening or spacing within the deck 12, a washer 44 may also be used as a positive stop. In some embodiments, the washer 44 may be penetrated by the stem 20 of the anchor 18. The washer 44 may be placed closely adjacent the upper surface 40 of the deck 12 and shaped and sized to resist the passage of the first end portion 22 of the stem 20 below the upper surface 40 of the deck 12. It is contemplated that the washer 44 will provide this benefit irrespective of whether the anchor 18 is disposed between separate deck boards 14 or through an aperture 42. The shaped first end portion 22 of the stem 20 will provide a positive stop that prevents the washer 44 from being removed unintentionally from the anchor when it is in a use position.

While the anchor 18 of the anchoring system 10 may be shaped and sized to accommodate nearly any anchoring task, a generally universal shape and size has proven to be effective with most residential decks 12. In particular, the anchor 18 may be fabricated from one quarter inch round solid steel. The stem 20 is provided with a length approximating two inches. Similarly, the leg 26 is also provided with an overall length of approximately two inches. The loop 34 at the second end portion 24 of the stem 20 is provided with an opening having an approximate diameter of one inch. With these dimensions, a washer 44 having an outside diameter of approximately five eighths of an inch has been proven to be effective.

Although the system has been described in language that is specific to certain structures, materials, and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures, materials, and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term â€œapproximately.â€ At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term â€œapproximatelyâ€ should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any and all individual values subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or individual values that are between and/or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth). Expressions such as â€œup,â€ â€œdown,â€ , â€œupper,â€ â€œlower,â€ â€œhorizontal,â€ â€œvertical,â€ â€œleft,â€ â€œright,â€ and the like are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships but these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an â€œupperâ€ surface can become a â€œlowerâ€ surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object.