IP Library › Granted Patent US 12668986
Granted Patent B2
US 12668986 · App. 18/454,583 · Granted Jun 30, 2026

Apparatus for securing pole

Inventors: Eric Pilarczyk (Colorado Springs, CO); William T. Ball (Colorado Springs, CO)
Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
E04H12/2269E04H12/2215E04H12/22E04H12/2238E04H12/2253E04H17/263
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12668986
App. No.
18/454,583
Granted
Jun 30, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

A pole holder apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include a socket, an insert, and a cap. The insert may be configured to screw into the socket, and the cap may be configured to selectively cover an upper opening of the insert and remain coupled to the insert, even when in an open position. The insert may include a plurality of tabs configured to engage an inserted pole. In some examples, when the insert is screwed into the socket, tabs of the insert are deflected inward to hold an inserted pole in place. The insert may be screwed in a first amount to accommodate a pole having a first diameter, and it may be screwed in further to accommodate a pole having a second, lesser diameter. In other examples, an insert may include a friction-fit insert configured to adapt to a variety of sockets and pole sizes.

Claims (27)

1 . A pole socket, comprising:

a socket body comprising internal threading, comprising an open end and a closed end, wherein an inner wall of the socket body comprises an upper tapered section proximate to the open end of the socket body, and wherein the upper tapered section narrows in diameter towards the closed end of the socket body and is defined by an angled surface that extends continuously from an upper internal surface of the socket body to a lower internal surface of the socket body, and wherein the upper tapered section is angled with respect to the upper internal surface and the lower internal surface;

an insert comprising external threading, comprising an upper opening and a lower opening, configured to be secured to the socket body proximate to the open end of the socket body, and wherein the insert is configured to be screwed into the socket body through the engagement of the external threading with the internal threading; and

a cap, configured to be attached to the insert and remain attached to the insert in an open position, where the cap uncovers the upper opening, and in a closed position, where the cap covers the upper opening.

2 . The pole socket of claim 1 , wherein the inner wall of the socket body comprises a lower tapered section proximate to the closed end of the socket body.

3 . The pole socket of claim 1 , wherein the insert further comprises a plurality of tabs proximate to the lower opening of the insert.

4 . The pole socket of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of tabs expand when the insert is unscrewed from the socket body.

5 . The pole socket of claim 1 , wherein the insert is discontinuous proximate to the lower opening of the insert.

6 . The pole socket of claim 1 , wherein the insert further comprises a plurality of tabs proximate to the lower opening of the insert, and wherein the plurality of tabs are configured to deflect inwards when the insert is screwed into the socket body and when the plurality of tabs contact the upper tapered section.

7 . The pole socket of claim 1 , wherein the open end of the socket body, the upper opening of the insert, and the lower opening of the insert are configured to receive an umbrella pole.

8 . The pole socket of claim 1 , wherein the insert is configured to friction fit into the socket body.

9 . The pole socket of claim 1 , wherein the insert further comprises a plurality of tabs angled inwards.

10 . The pole socket of claim 1 , wherein the insert further comprises a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of tabs, wherein when a pole is placed in the insert, the plurality of tabs deflect outwards and at least partially through the plurality of openings.

11 . A pole socket, comprising:

a socket body comprising internal threading, comprising an open end and a closed end, wherein an inner wall of the socket body comprises an upper tapered section proximate to the open end of the socket body, and wherein the upper tapered section narrows in diameter towards the closed end of the socket body and is defined by an angled surface that extends continuously from an upper internal surface of the socket body to a lower internal surface of the socket body, and wherein the upper tapered section is angled with respect to the upper internal surface and the lower internal surface;

an insert comprising external threading and a plurality of tabs, wherein the insert is configured to be screwed into the socket body through the engagement of the external threading with the internal threading, and wherein the plurality of tabs are configured to deflect inwards as the insert is screwed into the socket body; and

a cap that is configured to cover an upper opening in the insert.

12 . The pole socket of claim 11 , wherein the inner wall of the socket body comprises a lower tapered section proximate to a closed end of the socket body.

13 . The pole socket of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of tabs expand when the insert is unscrewed from the socket body.

14 . The pole socket of claim 11 , wherein the insert is discontinuous proximate to a lower opening of the insert.

15 . A pole socket, comprising:

a socket body comprising internal threading and comprising an open end and a closed end, wherein an inner wall of the socket body comprises an upper tapered section proximate to the open end of the socket body, and wherein the upper tapered section narrows in diameter towards the closed end of the socket body and is defined by an angled surface that extends continuously from an upper internal surface of the socket body to a lower internal surface of the socket body, and wherein the upper tapered section is angled with respect to the upper internal surface and the lower internal surface;

an insert comprising external threading and a plurality of tabs, wherein the insert is configured to be screwed into the socket body through the engagement of the external threading with the internal threading, and wherein the plurality of tabs are configured to deflect inwards as the insert is screwed into the socket body; and

a cap, configured to be attached to the insert and remain attached to the insert in an open position, where the cap uncovers an upper opening of the insert, and in a closed position, where the cap covers the upper opening.

16 . The pole socket of claim 15 , wherein the inner wall of the socket body comprises a lower tapered section proximate to the closed end of the socket body.

17 . The pole socket of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of tabs expand when the insert is unscrewed from the socket body.

18 . The pole socket of claim 15 , wherein the insert is discontinuous proximate to a lower opening of the insert.