# US 7,406,975 B1 · Multi-purpose convertible device and application of use > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,406,975 B1 - Document ID: US7406975B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 11/163,083 - Filed: 2005-10-04 - Granted: 2008-08-05 - Earliest claimed: 2005-10-04 - Inventors: Andre Carrier, Jr. - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7406975B1 ## CPC - E04H 12/2261: {on a flat base (E04H12/08, E04H12/10 take precedence)} - E04H: BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL (foundations E02D) ## Abstract A multi-purpose convertible device interchangeably convertible from a shovel mode to an anchor mode, wherein, when in the shovel mode, the convertible device removes earthen material to form an opening, and when in the anchor mode, the earthen material is positioned on a portion of the convertible device to weigh down the convertible device such that the convertible device resists displacement by typically encountered environmental conditions. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An outdoor umbrella assembly comprising: an outdoor umbrella device attachable to a convertible device, wherein: the convertible device is interchangeably convertible from a shovel mode to an anchor mode, wherein, when in the shovel mode, the convertible device removes earthen material to form an opening, and when in the anchor mode, the earthen material is positioned on a portion of the convertible device to weigh down the convertible device, and wherein: the outdoor umbrella device comprises a canopy and a pole; and the convertible device comprises: a head; an extension element pivotally attached to the head, wherein the pole of the outdoor umbrella device attaches the canopy to the extension element; and a receiver mounted to the head, wherein the receiver receives and holds the extension element when the convertible device is in the shovel mode. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The outdoor umbrella assembly of claim 1, wherein the convertible device further comprises a mode transitioning element that pivotally attaches the extension element to the head. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The outdoor umbrella assembly of claim 1, wherein the convertible device further comprises an umbrella mounting element attached to the extension element, wherein the umbrella mounting element releasably secures the outdoor umbrella device to the extension element. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The outdoor umbrella assembly of claim 1, wherein the outdoor umbrella device is removably attachable to the convertible device. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The outdoor umbrella assembly of claim 1, wherein, when the convertible device is in the anchor mode, the extension element is approximately perpendicular to a top surface of the head. ### Claim 6 An outdoor umbrella assembly comprising: an umbrella device comprising a canopy positioned over a pole; and a convertible device interchangeably converted from a shovel mode to an anchor mode, wherein the convertible device comprises: a head; an extension element pivotally attached to the head, and which receives and holds the pole of the umbrella device; a receiver disposed on the head, and fixed into position thereon, wherein the receiver receives and holds the extension element when the convertible device is in the shovel mode; and a mode transitioning element having a first portion disposed on the head, and a second portion mounted to the extension element, wherein the mode transitioning element connects the extension element to the head while allowing the extension element to pivotally move in relation to the head. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The outdoor umbrella assembly of claim 6, wherein the mode transitioning element comprises a first plate and a second plate, wherein each of the first and second plates comprises a first end opposite to a second end, wherein the first end is disposed on the head, and the second end is mounted to an outer surface of the extension element. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The outdoor umbrella assembly of claim 7, wherein the head comprises a body having a top surface opposite to a bottom surface, and wherein the receiver is permanently disposed on the top surface of the head. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The outdoor umbrella assembly of claim 8, wherein the receiver is welded or molded onto the top surface of the head. ### Claim 10 (depends on 6) The outdoor umbrella assembly of claim 6, wherein the head further comprises a body having a top surface opposite to a bottom surface, and defined at its terminal ends by a forward facing region opposite to a base region, and wherein the receiver extends along a portion of a length of the top surface past the base region, and further wherein the receiver comprises two longitudinally extending side walls which border a recessed holding chamber having a surface disposed between the two longitudinally extending side walls, wherein the extension element rests on the surface of the recessed holding chamber when the assembly is in a shovel mode and is held thereto by the side walls. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The outdoor umbrella assembly of claim 10, wherein the receiver is permanently disposed on the top surface of the head. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The outdoor umbrella assembly of claim 11, wherein the receiver is welded or molded onto the top surface of the head. ### Claim 13 (depends on 10) The outdoor umbrella assembly of claim 10, wherein the mode transitioning element comprises a first plate and a second plate, wherein each of the first and second plates comprises a first end opposite to a second end, wherein the first end is disposed on the head, and the second end is mounted to an outer surface of the extension element.