Abstract: A system for providing shade onto a surface is described herein. The system includes a canopy configured for engagement with, and aerial suspension by, a frame. The frame includes a plurality of sections configured for end-to-end alignment from a left end to a right end of the frame. Each section is configured to engage with any adjacent sections to form the frame. The ends of the frame are secured to the surface, thereby aerially suspending the canopy and providing shade to the surface.

Abstract: Provided is a composite tower structure and a method of designing and assembling the same, the composite tower structure including: a tower body, a foundation to which a bottom end of the tower body is fixed, a plurality of vertical supports disposed around a perimeter of the tower body, and a support structure connecting a top end of each of the plurality of vertical supports to the tower body. The composite tower structure may further include one or more intermediate guide structure(s) connected to the tower body and supporting a middle portion of the plurality of vertical supports.

Abstract: A table footrest apparatus for adding a footrest to a table includes a pair of mounting channels each having a first end, a second end, a top side, and a bottom side. The top side has a plurality of mounting apertures extending through the bottom side. Each of the pair of mounting channels is configured to span across a leg support ring of a table such that the plurality of mounting apertures is above the leg support ring. A plurality of ties is coupled to the pair of mounting channels. A pair of channel covers is selectively engageable with the top side of the pair of mounting channels. A plurality of adhesive strips is coupled to the pair of channel covers. A foot pad is coupled to the pair of channel covers and is selectively engageable with the plurality of adhesive strips.

Abstract: A portable, stowable, fishing rod holder includes a tripod with a pole rest at the top. An elongated support extends from the bottom of an aft leg of the tripod to a support foot. A tube, pivotally coupled to the support foot, receives the handle of a rod while the bent of the rod is held in the pole rest. A deck lock with a rotatable spring biased T-shaped anchor extends downwardly from the support foot. An anchor pin may be inserted through an aperture in the support foot.

Abstract: A stabilizer which has general purpose use but which is particularly well suited for use with temporary real estate signs has an elongated body adapted for pivotal connection with a post for vertical swinging movement. A plurality of flanges or wings are spaced apart longitudinally at an opposite and free end of the body and define flat laterally extending anchoring surfaces. The free end of the stabilizer body is inserted into the soil on forceful downward swinging movement of the body and the lateral anchoring surfaces firmly secure the post against angular movement toward and away from the stabilizer. The stabilizer can be releasably stored in an upright position adjacent the post.

Abstract: A post securing system that secures a post in the ground, while allowing for a full range of vertical adjustment via a coupling assembly that includes an articulating ball joint element that is connected to a post support element secured within two clamp assemblies. The clamp assemblies each include an anchor assembly which, when assembled, secures at least three stake elements at a predetermined angle. The post securing kit includes both the coupling assembly and the anchor assembly to allow securing a post into a non-horizontal ground, while maintaining the desired vertical alignment of the post held therewithin.

Abstract: A post securing system that secures a post in the ground, while allowing for a full range of vertical adjustment via a coupling assembly that includes an articulating ball joint element that is connected to a post support element secured within two clamp assemblies. The clamp assemblies each include an anchor assembly which, when assembled, secures at least three stake elements at a predetermined angle. The post securing kit includes both the coupling assembly and the anchor assembly to allow securing a post into a non-horizontal ground, while maintaining the desired vertical alignment of the post held therewithin.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a main body, a display, and a wireless keyboard. The main body includes a keyboard supporting panel. The display is hinged to the main body. The wireless keyboard detachably attached on the keyboard supporting panel. The wireless keyboard is mechanically coupled to the main body and wirelessly communicatively coupled to the main body.

Abstract: Embodiments of various electrical housings, particularly display housings, are provided. In this regard, a representative housing, among others, includes one or more electrical components that are disposed at the housing; a thermal attachment that is designed to transfer heat generated by the one or more electrical components; and a rear enclosure that is designed to engage the thermal attachment. The rear enclosure is further designed to dissipate the heat received from the thermal attachment.

Abstract: A support mechanism for supporting an electronic device is disclosed. The support mechanism comprises two support assemblies detachably assembled together, each support assembly comprising an adjustable member defining a latching groove; and a support member rotatably connected to the adjusting member, the support member of one of the two support assemblies being capable of being partially received in the latching groove of the adjustable member of another one of the two support assemblies.

Abstract: A line post anchoring device for a roadway cable barrier system includes a lower helical anchor to which a detachable line post socket member is secured. The helical anchor and line post socket of each line post anchoring device have mating coupling sections that are preassembled and hydraulically screwed into the ground in a single operation. Each socket includes interior guide plates for properly guiding and positioning a line post therein, such that the cabling system can be effectively strung under tension at the same time the anchoring devices are installed in the ground. Damaged sockets are easily replaced with minimal disruption to the surrounding soil by backing the helical anchor out of the ground only so far as necessary to detach and replace the damaged socket, and then reinserting the helical anchor in the same location.

Abstract: A line post anchoring device for a roadway cable barrier system includes a lower helical anchor to which a detachable line post socket member is secured. The helical anchor and line post socket of each line post anchoring device have mating coupling sections that are preassembled and hydraulically screwed into the ground in a single operation. Each socket includes interior guide plates for properly guiding and positioning a line post therein, such that the cabling system can be effectively strung under tension at the same time the anchoring devices are installed in the ground. Damaged sockets are easily replaced with minimal disruption to the surrounding soil by backing the helical anchor out of the ground only so far as necessary to detach and replace the damaged socket, and then reinserting the helical anchor in the same location.

Abstract: An umbrella with an integral anchoring structure is provided. The umbrella includes a post having a lower end for insertion into the ground, and an upper end for supporting an umbrella top. The umbrella includes an integral spiral shaped anchoring structure formed on the lower end of the post. The anchoring structure is formed with a width, W, greater than a diameter of the post and a length, L, which is adapted to stabilize a weight of the umbrella and secure the umbrella and the post in a variety of earthen conditions such as sand, lawn, and soil even in a prevailing breeze or stormier conditions. The umbrella further includes one or more retractable levers integrally attached along the post.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for supporting and holding items including surfboards, fishing rods, beach items and tabletops in horizontal positions raised above ground surfaces such as at the beach, and be easily transported, assembled, and disassembled when not being used. The racks can include a pair of horizontal beams. Each of the beams can have legs pivotally attached to ends of each beam. The legs can have storage positions with the legs folded up and parallel to the beams, and extended positions with the legs perpendicular to the beams and having lower ends staked into the grounds. The rack can support tabletops and surfboards in horizontal flat positions on top of the assembled horizontal beams. Fishing rods can be stored in horizontal positions in cradle shaped concave recesses so that the fishing rods can be between the surfboards/table tops and the horizontal beams. A storage bag can be used to carry and transport a folded tabletop and folded legs and beams.

Abstract: A pole mounting device has a rod with a ball at one end and a clamp at the opposite end, and a holder tube with a ball socket that forms a ball joint with the ball on the end of the rod. The holder tube rotates relative to the rod about two transverse axes. A pole is held in one end of the tube and a set screw in the other end adjusts rotational resistance of the ball joint. The mounting device can mount flag poles, and with an adapter, mobile electronic devices or other articles.

Abstract: A golf flag stick support comprises a member for attachment to the golf flag stick; a support stake pivotably attached to the member. The support stake has a non-operative position wherein the support stake is substantially parallel to the golf flag stick when the golf flag stick is secured inside a putting green cup. The support stake further has an operative position wherein the support stake makes an acute angle with the golf flag stick and an end member of said support stake is pushed into the ground, thereby supporting the golf flag stick outside the cup.

Abstract: A turkey decoy comprises a mass-producable synthetic resinous body adapted to be deployed in either a sentry or feeding position, with a telescopable assembly of rigid, that is, essentially inflexible, upper and lower struts, the upper necessarily being tubular, and the lower being either tubular or solid. The upper strut is removably securely fixed in an aperture in the upper surface of the decoy's body. Typically, the strut assembly is pre-assembled in the decoy so that neither strut in the assembly is detachable relative to the other. The strut assembly of non-detachably assembled struts, which assembly is secured in the decoy long before the decoy is to be deployed, allows a hunter to transport the pre-assembled decoy to the desired site in the poor light of the pre-dawn hours, unfold the decoy, pull the inner strut out until it locks in the outer strut, and thrust the pointed end into the ground. There is no assembly of the strut on site, no searching for the desired aperture in the dark.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for supporting and holding items including surfboards, fishing rods, beach items and tabletops in horizontal positions raised above ground surfaces such as at the beach, and be easily transported, assembled, and disassembled when not being used. The racks can include a pair of horizontal beams. Each of the beams can have legs pivotally attached to ends of each beam. The legs can have storage positions with the legs folded up and parallel to the beams, and extended positions with the legs perpendicular to the beams and having lower ends staked into the grounds. The rack can support tabletops and surfboards in horizontal flat positions on top of the assembled horizontal beams. Fishing rods can be stored in horizontal positions in cradle shaped concave recesses so that the fishing rods can be between the surfboards/table tops and the horizontal beams. A storage bag can be used to carry and transport a folded tabletop and folded legs and beams.

Abstract: A tool support apparatus includes a body adapted to be secured to an end of a handle of a tool. A ground piercing member is pivotally secured to the body for pivotal movement between an operative position and a stored position. In the operative position, the ground piercing member protrudes past the end of the handle, such that the ground piercing member can be inserted into the ground to support the handle of the tool in a substantially upright orientation. In the stored position, the ground piercing member is oriented substantially parallel to the handle so as not to interfere with the normal usage of the tool.

Abstract: A portable shade. An illustrative embodiment of the portable shade includes a canopy; a plurality of generally elongated, curved, spaced-apart tent poles carried by the canopy; and a plurality of anchor units receiving the plurality of tent poles, respectively. Each of the anchor units comprises an anchor plate, a striker plate pivotally carried by the anchor plate and a pole receptacle pivotally carried by the striker plate and receiving a corresponding one of the tent poles.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder has control plate attached to an elongated shaft with a longitudinal axis. One end of the shaft is configured to penetrate the ground or otherwise be secured to render the holder stationary and immoveable, even when a fish takes the bait. The control plate has a plurality of adjustment openings for receiving stop members. The fishing rod holder also has a tubular rod holder component which is pivotably attached to the control plate. The rod holder component can thus be positioned in a variety of angles in relation to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, by pivoting the rod holder component so that it contacts a stop member extending through one of the adjustment openings. When so positioned and a fish is hooked onto the line extending from the rod, the fish can be brought in without having to remove the fishing rod, which continues to be pivotably supported by the holder component. Upon release of tension on the line, the holder component automatically resets to its original position.

Abstract: A bird feeder that includes a bird feed holder having open top and bottom ends, a plurality of feeding ports disposed in a sidewall defining the holder, a plurality of perches each associated with an inlet of an associated feeding port and a removable base for engaging with the bottom end of the holder, the removable base having a closed position for sealing the bottom end of the holder so as to retain the bird feed therein and an open position in which the base is removed from the holder to enable access to the bottom end of the holder. One embodiment has a manually operated latch member supported by the base and supported for radial engagement so as to enable releasable securing of the removable base to the holder. In another embodiment a manually operated latch couples to a main body portion, the latch being supported for rotation with respect to the main body portion to releasably secure the base assembly to the housing. Also disclosed is a feeder support apparatus.

Abstract: An elongated support post for a mailbox has a mailbox support arm secured to an upper portion of the support post and at least one anchor fin secured to a lower portion of the support post and projectingly outwardly therefrom. In one embodiment of the invention a pair of support fins is secured to generally opposed portions of the support post and project radially outwardly therefrom. The support post may have openings into which portions of the support fins extend for mechanical interengagement therebetween. The support fins are preferably taperedly downwardly so as to facilitate insertion of the post into the earth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a support stand for a fishing pole holder, and is particularly adapted for ice fishing. In use, the stand holds the fishing pole in a generally upward angled position. The fishing pole is held in a pivotal position, so that upon sensing a hit on the attached line, the fishing pole tips downward. Legs, for supporting the body of the stand, can be placed in a first position or a second position, depending on the conditions of use for the stand. When not in use, the legs of the stand can be stored within the body.

Abstract: A post footing for holding a post segment above a ground surface comprises an outer sleeve adapted to be forcibly driven into the ground. A socket member is pressure fitted within the outer sleeve with the leading end of the sleeve extending beyond the socket member to prevent the latter from being damaged in the event that an obstacle be encountered while the footing is being driven into the ground. The socket member defines a socket adapted to receive and hold an above-ground post segment once the footing has been installed in the ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing a sign post assembly including a stabilizing post member, an outer tubular post and a horizontal post member. The stabilizing post member includes a spike portion and an inner post portion with a blocking portion coupled to the post member above the spike portion. The outer tubular post defines a post bore substantially extending through a length of the outer tubular post with at least a lower open end. The outer tubular post is configured to mate with the inner post portion to substantially extend within the post bore of the outer tubular post. The horizontal post member includes a horizontal post portion and a post coupling portion. The post coupling portion is configured to operatively couple with the inner post portion of the stabilizing post member so that the horizontal post portion extends transverse to the stabilizing post member to hang a sign thereto.

Abstract: A beach umbrella provides an elongated support shaft having a pointed distal end inserted into a soft surface, and a proximal folding canopy positioned below an upper terminal end of the support shaft. The folding canopy provides a fabric panel stretched over a plurality of ribs engaged with the support shaft and extending radially from it to form a downwardly convex external surface. A flexible strap is attached over the upper terminal end of the support shaft and an opposing eyelet engaged with the tip of one of the ribs of the umbrella. A securing line is fixed at a distal end to a stake driven into the surface so the line forms a downwardly divergent angle with the support shaft. The flexible strap lies in contact with the external surface of the fabric panel and is joined at its upper end with the strap. Strap and line are arranged to point upwind to counter wind forces so that the umbrella cannot be blown over.

Abstract: This is a sunshade umbrella stand comprised of a hollow pole, a steel spike, and an umbrella holder. The stand itself is hollow with a foot pedal protruding out from the bottom portion of the stand which is attached to a hammer which slides up and down within the stand. The steel spike is attached to the bottom of the stand and the foot pedal hammer makes contact with the spike forcing the spike into the ground; thus, allowing the stand to be firmly anchored to the surface of the earth. The umbrella holder fits upon the top of the stand into which an umbrella with its post can be placed, so that the umbrella is held firmly in place. The sunshade umbrella stand will not allow an umbrella to tilt or fall due to wind or some other natural occurrence.

Abstract: An adjustable marker for delimiting boundaries comprised of a spacing rod, an anchoring peg and a pivotal connection pivotably engaging between the said spacing rod and the said anchoring peg.

Abstract: A net fixing rack structure includes a base, a fixing tube, and a mounting tube. The base is formed with an oblique through hole. The fixing tube has a first end formed with a pin rod and a screw portion and a second end formed with a transverse through hole. The mounting tube is mounted on the fixing tube. The oblique through hole of the base has a determined inclined angle, so that the fixing tube is fixed in the ground with a determined inclined angle. Thus, after the whole net fixing rack structure is assembled, the mounting tube is inclined relative to the ground with a determined angle, thereby enhancing the supporting effect of the net fixing rack structure.

Abstract: An article holder apparatus includes a first support unit and a plurality of interchangeable support bracket modules connectable to the first support unit. Each support bracket module is tailor made for supporting a specific article, e.g. a fishing rod, a long gun, or a bow. The first support un article reception portion. A pair of vertical risers are connected to opposite ends of the V-shaped article reception portion. A pair of horizontal bracket module reception tubes are connected to the vertical risers. Each interchangeable support bracket module includes a pair of horizontal connector rods for reception in the bracket module reception tubes. First bracket module article support means are connected to the connector rods, and second bracket module article support means are connected to a distal end of the first bracket module article support means. A jaw member can be connected to the support bracket module.

Abstract: A ground anchor, such as a tent peg, includes a channel-section, ground-penetrating base member, and a second member at or adjacent one end of the base member. The second member projects (or is capable of projecting) from the base member at an inclination thereto and is provided with an attachment point for a tether.

Abstract: A mailbox post assembly and kit for insertion into the ground and for supporting a mailbox, in which an elongate, hollow post has cooperating openings for transversely receiving a hollow beam, decorative inserts are mounted on the post and beam to give the appearance of a brace, and during transportation or storage, the hollow beam and the decorative inserts fit inside of the hollow post.

Abstract: An umbrella support including an elongated post and a pivot plate secured to one end of the elongated post. A support tube has a slot at one of its ends that snugly receives the pivot plate. A threaded fastener penetrates the tube and the pivot plate to pivotally attach the tube to the elongated post.

Abstract: The invention is a temporary support for holding a structural member such as a fence post in an upright vertical position during vertical leveling and setting. The support comprises a removable frame that fits around a fence post. The frame has a post-retaining portion and a plurality of leg-receiving portions. The legs are slid in the leg-receiving portions and are capable of sliding in and out of the frame in order to adjustably support the fence post.

Abstract: A double-story umbrella includes an upper umbrella formed by an upper umbrella cloth; a lower umbrella having a shaft and a rib assembly pivotally secured to the shaft for securing a lower umbrella cloth on the rib assembly; a plurality of detachable restorable buckling devices each coupling the upper umbrella cloth with the lower umbrella cloth; and a supporting device adjustably detachably secured on a lower portion of the shaft and operatively anchored on or under a ground for stably erecting the shaft and the double-story umbrella.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus is a fishing rod holding apparatus which is capable of holding, singularly or in combination, a fishing pole, an umbrella, and a lantern. The device is easily transportable because it easily disassembles into small and easy to handle component parts. The device incorporates a swivel, so the fishing rod may be swung about for baiting the hook, unhooking a catch, or adjusting the tackle.

Abstract: A beach umbrella is supported with a stand having a lower shaft and an upper shaft, with the upper shaft supporting a beach umbrella mast. Before attaching the umbrella mast, the tubular upper shaft serves as an impact tool against a protuberance on the lower shaft, allowing hammering of the lower shaft into composite earth. The upper shaft telescopes onto the lower shaft securing a tray in place against the protuberance after hammering is completed.

Abstract: An umbrella operating system allows for the simple opening, closing and locking of an umbrella while allowing the frame to freely rotate about the pole, wherein the pole is held in a stationary position. The umbrella includes a pair of hub members mounted about a pole member wherein the lower hub member is slidable up and down the pole. A pulley system with locking cam member may be employed to allow the umbrella to safely and easily open to any desired level. A locking stabilizer arm may be used to secure the main hub member in the fully open position and a stabilizer base provides strong support to the pole member to help it withstand severe weather conditions. The umbrella is rotatable about the pole axis regardless of the degree to which it is opened.

Abstract: A holder for a fishing pole includes a relatively moveable ground engaging member for pivotal attachment to the end of the fishing pole handle and can be selectively moved from an unextended storage position to an extended working position, the ground engaging member having a generally arcuate cross-section and tapering in both length and height and having an arcuate distal end for insertion into the ground to maintain a fishing pole at a desired operating position without the need for a user to physically hold the fishing pole. The fishing pole holder can be permanently attached to the fishing rod handle so that the holding feature is always available for use.

Abstract: A beach umbrella is supported with a stand having a lower shaft and an upper shaft, with the upper shaft supporting a beach umbrella mast. Before attaching the umbrella mast, the tubular upper shaft serves as an impact tool against a protuberance on the lower shaft, allowing hammering of the lower shaft into composite earth. The upper shaft telescopes onto the lower shaft securing a tray in place against the protuberance after hammering is completed.

Abstract: A ground anchor, such as a tent peg, includes a channel-section, ground-penetrating base member, and a second member at or adjacent one end of the base member. The second member projects (or is capable of projecting) from the base member at an inclination thereto and is provided with an attachment point for a tether.

Abstract: An earth anchor for a pole that includes a base, a spike, and attaching apparatus. The base has a lowermost face for contacting the earth, an uppermost face opposite to the lowermost face, and a longitudinal axis. The spike is for insertion into the earth, and depends from the lowermost face of the base. The attaching apparatus is for engaging a pole, and is disposed on the uppermost face of the base. The base is disk-shaped with a circular periphery for providing a blunt round edge that eliminates corners when tipped on which a player could fall and be injured, and is wide for leaving enough room for the pole to still be pushed into the earth using foot pressure. The attaching apparatus includes a stop boss disposed on the uppermost face of the base, along the longitudinal axis of the base, which centers the attaching apparatus for allowing the pole to have identical stability in all directions.

Abstract: A golf club support apparatus includes an elongated primary support member and a secondary support member pivotally attached to the primary support member. The secondary support member may be moved between two locations. In one location the secondary support member projects outwardly from the primary support member and defines a notch for holding golf club heads. In another location the secondary support member partially surrounds the primary support member and is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the primary support member. A removable end cap can be employed as an article holder.

Abstract: A plant supporter is disclosed utilizing a pole having lugs attached to it. Apertures extend into each lug and cantilevered arms extend from the apertures outwardly from the pole to provide support to a plant. The lugs may have a resilient clip portion such that they may be easily mounted or removed from the pole.

Abstract: A manually manipulated expander spaces the opposite walls of the body of a flexible hollow animal decoy, such as a turkey decoy. The decoy has outwardly convex flexible walls, one of which is collapsed inwardly by inverting it against the other, thus flattening the decoy for transport. The expander is associated with a vertical support pillar or shaft, which carries the decoy on the ground. Bracing portions of the expander extend for example in opposite directions, to contact and space the walls. In an integral expander embodiment the walls are braced open by two opposite arms or by the peripheral edges of a thin two dimensional shape complementing a cross section of the hollow opening between the walls. The expander is then rotated 90° to place either the wider or thinner expander cross section between the decoy walls.

Abstract: An approximately circular, flexible apron is secured to a pole passing through its center. Sand, rocks or other ballast material is placed upon the apron, thus allowing it to serve as an anchor. The apron may include battens to maintain the extended surface upon which ballast is placed. The apron may also be attached to a radial array of support members that are connected to a slide collar that can be locked to the pole. Through the adjustment of the slide collar, the apron can be shaped to provide a basket shape to hold ballast, or the apron can be disposed as a flat surface upon the ground allowing the support members to contribute lateral support to the pole.

Abstract: A device and method for marking a location with a marker stake. An elongate wire-like rod is partially inserted in the ground at a location to be marked, and the rod is received in a pre-sized panel having a pair of flag faces and an open-ended longitudinal channel, the channel being dimensioned to receive the rod in friction fit. The flag faces are separated by a plurality of spacers in generally parallel orientation to each other, with the spacers defining the plurality of channels, and the panel has two longitudinal ends each having a sighting notch. While inserting the rod into the ground, the panel may be disposed at the ground to serve as a guide to retain the rod against deflection. Two or more panels and rods may be joined together to produce a larger marker stake, and the panels may be oriented at right angles to each other to give the marker stake a greater three-dimensional profile.

Abstract: An umbrella coupler for the support of an umbrella having a shaft and a handle comprises an umbrella coupler assembly having a lower portion either integral with or capable of being connected to a supportive base to maintain an umbrella in an upright active position when engaged in the umbrella coupler assembly. Varying embodiments of the umbrella coupler assembly are provided with a preferred umbrella coupler assembly having a lower portion supporting a seat member, an upper portion, and a middle wall portion extending at least partially upwardly from the seat member and to the upper portion and further having an opening dimensioned to receive and support either a vertically orientated handle or a J-shaped umbrella handle.

Abstract: A fishing pole holder of the type capable of holding at least one fishing pole in a generally upright position includes a pair of outer legs each having a lower portion adapted to engage a surface and an upper portion constructed and arranged for holding a fishing pole. An inner leg, positioned between the outer legs, has a lower portion adapted to engage the surface. A connector connects the outer and inner legs, the connector being constructed and arranged for enabling the inner leg to rotate between a stowed position in which the inner leg is generally parallel to the outer legs and an operable position in which the outer legs are generally inclined with respect to a horizontal plane and the inner leg is oppositely inclined with respect to the outer legs for stabilizing the outer legs in an upright position suitable for holding a fishing pole.