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.

Abstract: A plant container has a threaded drainage hole provided in the base of the container adapted to receive a threaded drain plug. When a drainage hole is needed, the plug is removed. When a drainage hole is not needed, the plug is left in place.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a mast, a hub supported by the mast, a plurality of ribs extending radially outward from the hub, and a canopy supported by the ribs. Each of the ribs comprises an inner rib section having an inner end mounted to the hub. An outer rib section is pivotably mounted to the outer end of the inner rib section. A stop means engageable by one of the inner and outer rib sections limits pivotable movement of the outer rib section with respect to the inner rib section such that when the stop means is engaged, the inner rib section and the outer rib section are substantially longitudinally aligned.

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.