Abstract: A thermally insulated cooler for keeping canned drinks cold has a tubular shape. Cans are stacked in the tube one atop the other, and the inner diameter of the tube fits closely around the circumference of the cans. The length of the cooler can be sized to accommodate various numbers of cans. The cooler is of double wall construction, and the space between the walls is either a vacuum or a thermally insulating material. A coil spring in the bottom of the tube biases the cans through the upper end of the tube. A retaining ring mounted to the open end of the tube has an opening with radially inwardly projecting tabs that grip a can as the spring feeds it through the opening. The tabs hold the can partially protruding from the tube until a user affirmatively removes the can from the tube.

Abstract: An adjustable offset umbrella has a generally vertical main pole and a sliding member slidably mounted to the main pole. The sliding member includes a locking mechanism for securing it at a desired location along the main pole. One end of an arm is associated with the sliding member, and the other end supports an umbrella canopy. A winding mechanism is associated with the sliding member and moves with it. A line extends from the winding mechanism to the umbrella canopy. Operating the winding mechanism opens and closes the umbrella canopy, and moving the sliding member up or down the main pole adjusts the angle of the canopy with respect to the main pole.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a fiberglass planter having a metal finish on its exterior surface includes the step of inserting a flexible mold into a hard mold. The flexible mold has an outer surface that fits the inner surface of the hard mold, and the flexible mold has an inner surface which defines a cavity for forming a planter. A layer of a metal powder is applied onto the inner surface of the flexible mold. A layer of polyester resin is then applied onto the metal powder layer formed on the flexible mold inner surface. Next, a fiberglass planter is formed on the polyester resin layer by applying alternating layers of polyester resin and fiberglass cloth and ending with an innermost layer of polyester resin. The layer of metal powder, the layer of polyester resin on the metal powder layer, and the fiberglass planter comprise a metal coated fiberglass planter.

Abstract: An adjustable offset umbrella has a generally vertical main pole and a sliding member slidably mounted to the main pole. The sliding member includes a locking mechanism for securing it at a desired location along the main pole. One end of an arm is associated with the sliding member, and the other end supports an umbrella canopy. A winding mechanism is associated with the sliding member and moves with it. A line extends from the winding mechanism to the umbrella canopy. Operating the winding mechanism opens and closes the umbrella canopy, and moving the sliding member up or down the main pole adjusts the angle of the canopy with respect to the main pole.

Abstract: An umbrella has a first support member, a plurality of ribs supported by the first support member, and a canopy supported by the plurality of ribs. At least one of the plurality of ribs has, in cross section, a bottom wall, first and second upstanding side walls extending upward from the bottom wall, and a web extending between the first and second side walls at a location intermediate the bottom wall and the upper side wall ends. The web and upper portions of the first and second side walls form a channel. A first hole extends through the web, and a second hole extends through the bottom wall generally in coaxial alignment with the first hole. In a disclosed embodiment, a light bulb is disposed within either or both of the first and second holes, and an insulated electrical conductor runs along the length of the rib within the channel to connect the light bulb to a source of electrical power.

Abstract: An umbrella stand includes means defining a cavity, a mast receiving means operatively associated with the cavity-defining means, a bladder received within the cavity and comprised of a material which will retain ballast, and ballast contained within the bladder. When an umbrella mast is inserted into the mast receiving means and the umbrella is raised, the ballast weighs down the cavity-defining means so as to maintain the umbrella in a generally upright condition.