Abstract: A tube and fitting assembly for axially aligning and supporting elongate members, that includes a support and centering tube having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal passage running the entire length of the support and centering tube for passing a portion of the elongate member, and coupling structure on or proximate each of the first and second ends; a removable bar for placement in the longitudinal passage so as to form an enclosure with open ends; a locking cap assembly including first and second slotted inner locking caps each having a side slot for passing a small segment of the elongate member and coupling features for connecting to the coupling structure on the first and second ends, respectively, of the support and centering tube; and first and second slotted outer locking caps, each having coupling features for coupling to the first and second locking caps.

Abstract: An umbrella support that includes a vertical support tube sized to accommodate the handle portion or lower end of an umbrella shaft, said vertical support tube having a lower end, a threaded neck at an upper end, and a medial portion; a clamping assembly slidably disposed on said medial portion of said vertical support tube; a base plate for placement on a kayak and having connection structure for connecting to said lower end of said vertical support tube; a slotted locking cap having interior threads for threadable attachment to said threaded neck and a slot sized to accommodate an umbrella shaft and to capture an umbrella handle in said vertical support tube; wherein an umbrella shaft is secured around its entire circumference by the combination of said threaded neck and said locking cap.

Abstract: A vertical support base and anchoring system that includes a ballast container having an open top, a closed bottom, and an interior side or sides uniformly tapering slightly outward from the closed bottom to the open top. A base plate with a flat bottom rests on the closed bottom and includes a threaded female socket disposed on an upper side, and vertically disposed parallel mounting brackets having holes for insertion of retaining bolts, and corner elements configured in relation to the mounting brackets to create a socket for securing the bottom end of a post. The base plate generally conforms in shape to the closed bottom and has an outer perimeter edge slightly spaced apart from the container interior sides.