Umbrella and portable stand

Abstract

Pool stands, trays, devices, and methods for supporting beverage containers on the edge of a swimming pool while supporting a pool umbrella. One embodiment of the stand can be generally disc shaped with a lower front step portion, and a through-hole passing through the stand to allow an umbrella post to be supported therein. A clamping screw knob can lock the umbrella post to the stand. The stand can be positioned on the edge of a swimming pool so that shade from the umbrella can be provide to person(s) in the pool. Another embodiment can have a generally rectangular configuration with a lower front step portion that can also be positioned on the edge of a swimming pool so that shade from the umbrella can be provided to person(s) in the pool. The interior of the stands can be hollow, and can be filled with a ballast, such as sand or water.

Claims

1. A beverage tray and umbrella stand for use with a pool, comprising: a metal plate having and upper surface and a lower surface, with a front portion and a rear portion, a nonmetal layer on the upper surface with at least one indentation for supporting a beverage container therein, the front portion of the metal plate having a downward vertical bent portion and an inward bent step portion; and a through-hole passing from the upper surface to the lower surface for allowing a post of an umbrella to be supported therein, wherein the vertical bent portion with the inward bent step is adapted to abut a pool coping edge of a swimming pool, and wherein ballast resting on top of the nonmetal layer adjacent the rear portion stabilizes the stand.

2. The beverage tray and umbrella stand of claim 1, wherein the nonmetal layer includes a plurality of generally circular indentations for supporting a plurality of beverage containers therein.

3. The beverage tray and umbrella stand of claim 1, further comprising: a rotatable knob with a threaded stem adjacent to the through-hole for locking the umbrella to the stand.

4. The beverage tray and umbrella stand of claim 3, wherein the through-hole includes a tear drop configuration, so that an umbrella post is pushed into a narrow portion of the tear drop configuration by the threaded stem of the rotatable knob.

5. The beverage tray and umbrella stand of claim 3, wherein the through-hole includes a triangular configuration, so that an umbrella post is pushed into a narrow portion of the tear drop configuration by the threaded stem of the rotatable knob.

6. The beverage tray and umbrella stand of claim 1, wherein the metal plate is an aluminum plate.

7. The beverage tray and umbrella stand of claim 1, wherein the metal plate is formed from galvanized metal.

8. The beverage tray and umbrella stand of claim 1, wherein the stand is configured to be stackable with an identical stand.

9. The beverage tray and umbrella stand of claim 1, wherein the nonmetal layer includes: a rear surface portion adapted for supporting a portable cooler as the ballast thereon.

10. The beverage tray and umbrella stand of claim 1, wherein the nonmetal layer includes: a rear surface portion adapted for supporting a plant as the ballast thereon.

11. The beverage tray and umbrella stand of claim 1, wherein the nonmetal layer includes: a rear surface portion adapted for supporting an approximately 35 pound weight as the ballast thereon.

12. The beverage tray and umbrella stand of claim 1, wherein the nonmetal layer includes at least one opening for mounting a support post of a portable phone holder thereon.

13. The beverage tray and umbrella stand of claim 1, further comprising: a portable phone holder having a post that mounts in an accessory hole on a top of the stand, the holder for supporting a portable phone thereon.

14. A beverage tray and umbrella stand kit for use with a pool, the kit comprising: a metal plate having and upper surface and a lower surface, with a front portion and a rear portion, the upper surface having a nonmetal layer with a plurality of indentations for supporting a beverage container therein, the front portion of the metal plate having a downward vertical bent portion and an inward bent step portion; and a through-hole passing from the upper surface to the lower surface, wherein the vertical bent portion with the inward bent step is adapted to abut a pool coping edge of a swimming pool; a rotatable knob with a threaded stem passing through the vertical bent portion adjacent to the through-hole; and an umbrella with a post that is inserted into the through for locking the umbrella to the stand, wherein ballast resting on top of the upper surface of the nonmetal layer adjacent the rear portion stabilizes the stand.

15. The beverage tray and umbrella stand of claim 14, wherein the metal plate is selected from an aluminum or galvanized metal.

16. The beverage tray and umbrella stand of claim 14, wherein the nonmetal layer includes: a rear surface portion adapted for supporting a portable cooler or an approximately 35 pound weight as the ballast thereon.

17. The beverage tray and umbrella stand of claim 14, wherein the nonmetal layer includes at least one opening for mounting a support post of a portable phone holder thereon.

18. A beverage tray and umbrella stand kit for use with a pool, the kit comprising: a metal plate having and upper surface and a lower surface, with a front portion and a rear portion, the upper surface having a nonmetal layer with a plurality of indentations for supporting a beverage container therein, the front portion of the metal plate having a downward vertical bent portion and an inward bent step portion; and a through-hole passing from the upper surface to the lower surface, wherein the vertical bent portion with the inward bent step is adapted to abut a pool coping edge of a swimming pool; a rotatable knob with a threaded stem passing through the vertical bent portion adjacent to the through-hole; an umbrella with a post that is inserted into the through for locking the umbrella to the stand; and a cooler for being used as a ballast for the stand, wherein the ballast resting on top of the upper surface of the metal plate adjacent the rear portion stabilizes the stand.

19. The beverage tray and umbrella stand of claim 18, wherein the nonmetal layer includes at least one opening for mounting a support post of a portable phone holder thereon.

20. The beverage tray and umbrella stand of claim 18, wherein the nonmetal layer includes at least one opening for mounting a support post of a portable phone holder thereon.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

(2) First Embodiment Circular Stand

(3) FIG. 1A is an upper front perspective view of a first embodiment stand for supporting beverage containers and a pool umbrella post

(4) FIG. 1B is an upper rear perspective view of the stand of FIG. 1A.

(5) FIG. 1C is an upper left perspective view of the stand of FIG. 1A.

(6) FIG. 1D is an upper right perspective view of the stand of FIG. 1A.

(7) FIG. 2A is a lower front perspective view of the stand of FIG. 1A.

(8) FIG. 2B is a lower rear perspective view of the stand of FIG. 1A.

(9) FIG. 2C is a lower left perspective view of the stand of FIG. 1A.

(10) FIG. 2D is a lower right perspective view of the stand of FIG. 1A.

(11) FIG. 3A is a front view of the stand of FIG. 1A.

(12) FIG. 3B is a rear view of the stand of FIG. 1A.

(13) FIG. 3C is a left side view of the stand of FIG. 1A.

(14) FIG. 3D is a right side view of the stand of FIG. 1A.

(15) FIG. 3E is a top view of the stand of FIG. 1A.

(16) FIG. 3F is a bottom view of the stand of FIG. 1A.

(17) FIG. 4A is an upper front left perspective view of the stand of FIG. 1A supporting two beverage holders.

(18) FIG. 4B is an upper rear right perspective view of FIG. 4A.

(19) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the stand with beverage containers of FIGS. 4A-4B supported on an edge of a swimming pool with an umbrella post clamped to the stand.

(20) Second Embodiment Rectangular Stand

(21) FIG. 6A is an upper front perspective view of a second embodiment stand for supporting beverage containers and a pool umbrella post.

(22) FIG. 6B is an upper rear perspective view of the stand of FIG. 6A.

(23) FIG. 6C is an upper left perspective view of the stand of FIG. 6A.

(24) FIG. 6D is an upper right perspective view of the stand of FIG. 6A.

(25) FIG. 7A is a lower front perspective view of the stand of FIG. 6A.

(26) FIG. 7B is a lower left perspective view of the stand of FIG. 6A.

(27) FIG. 7C is a lower right perspective view of the stand of FIG. 6A.

(28) FIG. 8A is a front view of the stand of FIG. 6A.

(29) FIG. 8B is a rear view of the stand of FIG. 6A.

(30) FIG. 8C is a left view of the stand of FIG. 6A.

(31) FIG. 8D is a right view of the stand of FIG. 6A.

(32) FIG. 9 is a top view of the stand of FIG. 6A.

(33) FIG. 10A is an upper front left perspective view of the stand of FIG. 6A supporting two beverage holders.

(34) FIG. 10B is an upper rear right perspective view of FIG. 10A.

(35) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the stand with beverage containers of FIGS. 10A-10B supported on an edge of a swimming pool with an umbrella post clamped to the stand.

(36) Improvement Starts Here

(37) FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a third embodiment stand for supporting beverage containers and a pool umbrella post, formed from a metal panel.

(38) FIG. 12B is another perspective view of the stand of FIG. 12A without the clamping screw/knob.

(39) FIG. 13A is a top view of the stand of FIGS. 12A-12B.

(40) FIG. 13B is a side view of the stand of FIGS. 12A-12B.

(41) FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the stand of FIGS. 12A-13B about an edge of a swimming pool with an umbrella post clamped to the stand and a cooler as ballast for the stand.

(42) FIG. 14B is a side view of FIG. 14B.

(43) FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the stand of FIGS. 12A-13B about an edge of a swimming pool with an umbrella post clamped to the stand and a potted plant as ballast for the stand.

(44) FIG. 15B is a side view of FIG. 15A.

(45) FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the stand of FIGS. 12A-13B about an edge of a swimming pool with an umbrella post clamped to the stand with a 35 pound weight as ballast for the stand.

(46) FIG. 16B is a side view of FIG. 16A.

(47) FIG. 17A is a perspective exploded view of the stand of FIGS. 12A-13B along with an optional portable phone holder.

(48) FIG. 17B is a perspective assembled view of the stand in FIG. 17A.

(49) FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the portable phone holder shown in FIGS. 17A-17B.

(50) FIG. 18B is a front view of the portable phone holder of FIG. 18A.

(51) FIG. 18C is a side view of the portable phone holder of FIG. 18A.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(52) Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

(53) In the Summary above and in the Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification does not include all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

(54) In this section, some embodiments of the invention will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

(55) Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the following figures and description.

(56) It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

(57) Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

(58) A list of components will now be described. 100 First embodiment circular disc stand for supporting beverage holders and pool umbrella post 105 fill cap 110 upper disc member 112 front left indentation for beverage holder 113 rounded edge 114 right indentation of beverage holder 115 through-hole for umbrella post 116 raised rim edge 118 raised ridges 120 lower disc member 122 front step member 123 rounded front edge 124 rear step edge 125 through-hole for umbrella post 130 clamping screw/knob 135 threaded stem member 142 left beverage holder 144 right beverage holder 150 umbrella with canopy 160 umbrella post 170 swimming pool 175 inner edge of swimming pool 178 pool coping 200 Second embodiment rectangular stand for supporting beverage holders and pool umbrella post 210 top 212 front left indentation for beverage holder 213 rounded front edge 214 right tops indentation of beverage holder 215 through-hole for umbrella post 217 flat angled sides 218 raised ridges 219 opposite facing cut outs 220 flat bottom 222 front step member 223 rounded front edge 224 rear step edge 225 through-hole for umbrella post 230 clamping screw/knob 235 threaded stem member 240 rectangular well 300 third embodiment metal plate stand with bent edge for supporting beverage holders and pool umbrella post 310 metal plate 311 front 312 downward vertical bent portion 313 horizontal through-hole 314 inward bent step portion 315 through-hole for umbrella post 318 rear 320 nonmetal layer 322 cylindrical indentation(s) 325 accessory mount through-hole(s) 340 portable phone 350 cooler 360 planter (pot) 370 35 lb weight 400 portable phone holder 410 back plate 420 ledge 424 upward bent edge 426 ledge tip(s) 430 post for holder

First Embodiment Circular Stand

(59) FIG. 1A is an upper front perspective view of a first embodiment stand 100 for supporting beverage containers and a pool umbrella post. FIG. 1B is an upper rear perspective view of the stand 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C is an upper left perspective view of the stand 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1D is an upper right perspective view of the stand 100 of FIG. 1A.

(60) FIG. 2A is a lower front perspective view of the stand 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2B is a lower rear perspective view of the stand 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2C is a lower left perspective view of the stand 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2D is a lower right perspective view of the stand 100 of FIG. 1A.

(61) FIG. 3A is a front view of the stand 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 3B is a rear view of the stand 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 3C is a left side view of the stand 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 3D is a right side view of the stand 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 3E is a top view of the stand 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 3F is a bottom view of the stand 100 of FIG. 1A.

(62) Referring to FIGS. 1A-3F, the stand 100 can have a generally circular disc shape with an outer diameter of approximately 15.99 inches, and be formed from molded plastic having two parts with an upper generally disc member 110 above a lower generally disc member 120.

(63) The approximate overall dimensions of the base can be approximately 3.5 inches tall by approximately 16 inches in diameter.

(64) The upper member 110 and the lower member 120 can be formed from injection molded plastic and the like, and be solid.

(65) The upper member 110 and the lower member 120 can have a hollow interior, with a fill cap 105 to allow the stand to be filled with a ballast, such as water or sand. For example, pool water can be used to fill the hollow interior.

(66) Alternatively, the upper member 110 and the lower member 120 can be solid molded form.

(67) The upper disc member 110 can have a front left rounded indentation for supporting a beverage holder, and a front right rounded indentation for supporting a beverage holder. The upper surface of the upper disc member 110 can have a raised rim edge 116, and parallel raised ridges 118 that can form a gripping surface thereon. A round edge 113 can be circumferentially about the upper member 110.

(68) A through-hole 115 in the upper disc member 110 can have a teardrop shape or oval shape or triangular shape therethrough.

(69) The lower disc member 120 can have a similar diameter to the upper member 110 and thickness. The lower member 120 can have a front step member portion 122 with a rounded front edge 123, and a rear step edge 124. A through-hole 125 similar to the shape of through-hole 115 can pass through the lower member 120.

(70) A clamping screw/knob 130 can have a threaded stem member 135 which passes through a front portion of the upper member 110 and lower member 120. The end of the threaded stem 135 can inter into the through-hole 115/125.

(71) FIG. 4A is an upper front left perspective view of the stand 100 of FIG. 1A supporting two beverage holders 142, 144. FIG. 4B is an upper rear right perspective view of FIG. 4A.

(72) Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, the stand 100 is shown supporting one beverage holder 142 in left indentation 112, and another beverage holder 144 in right indentation 114.

(73) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the stand 100 with beverage containers 142, 144 of FIGS. 4A-4B supported on an edge 175 of a swimming pool 170 with an umbrella post 160 clamped to the stand 100. The umbrella post 160 can have an umbrella canopy 150 thereon.

(74) Referring to FIGS. 1A-5, the user can position the umbrella post 160 in the through-holes 115, 125 of the stand 100, so that the bottom of the umbrella post 160 can rest on the bottom of the pool 170, while the step edge 124 of the front step member 122 rests against the swimming pool edge 175.

(75) In the first embodiment 100, the stand 100 can have a small portion 122 overhanging (cantilevered) over the edge 175 of the swimming pool 170, so that substantially most of the mass of the stand 100 is supported by the upper surface of the edge 175 of the swimming pool 170.

(76) The clamping screw/knob 130 can be rotated so that the threaded stem 135 pushes one side of the umbrella post 160 into a narrow portion of the through-holes 115/125 to lock umbrella post 160 in place.

(77) The upper raised ridges 118 on the stand 100 can be used as a nonslip surface to allow items, such as but not limited to smart phones, sunglasses, and the like to be supported on the stand 100.

Second Embodiment Rectangular Stand

(78) FIG. 6A is an upper front perspective view of a second embodiment stand 200 for supporting beverage containers and a pool umbrella post. FIG. 6B is an upper rear perspective view of the stand 200 of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C is an upper left perspective view of the stand 200 of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6D is an upper right perspective view of the stand 200 of FIG. 6A.

(79) FIG. 7A is a lower front perspective view of the stand 200 of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7B is a lower left perspective view of the stand 200 of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7C is a lower right perspective view of the stand 200 of FIG. 6A.

(80) FIG. 8A is a front view of the stand 200 of FIG. 6A. FIG. 8B is a rear view of the stand 200 of FIG. 6A. FIG. 8C is a left view of the stand of FIG. 6A.

(81) FIG. 8D is a right view of the stand 200 of FIG. 6A.

(82) FIG. 9 is a top view of the stand 200 of FIG. 6A.

(83) Referring to FIGS. 6A to 9, the stand 200 can have a generally rectangular configuration with a rounded front edge 213, and flat angled sides and rear wall 217. The top 210 can have a front left indentation 212 for supporting a beverage holder and front right indentation 214 for supporting another beverage holder. A through-hole 215 similar in shape to the through-holes 115/125 in the previous embodiment can pass from the top side through the bottom side of the stand 200. Opposite facing cut-outs 219 can pass through the top side 210 of the stand 200. Raised parallel ridges 218 can on the top side, and function similar to the raised ridges 118 in the previous embodiment.

(84) A clamping screw/knob 230 with threaded stem can pass through the rounded front edge 213 with an inner end that can press against the side of an umbrella post inserted into the through-hole 215.

(85) The bottom of the stand 200 can have a generally flat bottom surface.

(86) Under the rounded front edge 213 can be a front step member 222 with a rear step edge 224, which can work similar to the like members in the previous embodiment.

(87) Stands 100/200 can have a hollow interior, with a fill cap 105 to allow the stand to be filled with a ballast, such as water or sand. Alternatively, the stands 100/200 can be formed from injection molded plastic and the like, and be solid.

(88) FIG. 10A is an upper front left perspective view of the stand of 200 FIG. 6A supporting two beverage holders 142 and 144. FIG. 10B is an upper rear right perspective view of FIG. 10A.

(89) Referring to FIGS. 10A-10B, beverage holders 142, 144 can be supported in the indentations 212, 214, and the raised ridges 218 can function as a similar nonslip surface similar to the ridges 118 in the previous embodiment.

(90) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the stand 200 with beverage containers 142, 144 of FIGS. 10A-10B supported on an edge 175 of a swimming pool 170 with an umbrella post 160 clamped to the stand 200 by the clamping screw/knob 230.

(91) In the second embodiment 200, the stand 200 can have a small portion 242 overhanging (cantilevered) over the edge 175 of the swimming pool 170, so that substantially most of the mass of the stand 200 is supported by the upper surface of the edge 175 of the swimming pool 170.

(92) The clamping screw/knob 230 can be rotated so that the threaded stem 235 pushes one side of the umbrella post 160 into a narrow portion of the through-holes 215 to lock umbrella post 160 in place.

(93) The upper raised ridges 218 on the stand 200 can be used as a nonslip surface to allow items, such as but not limited to smart phones, sunglasses, and the like to be supported on the stand 200.

(94) The rectangular cut-out in the top of the stand can be used as a support for a portable cooler, such as but not limited to a portable cooler having a footprint of approximately 11.5 inches by approximately 8 inches.

(95) Stands 100, 200 can be formed to be stackable on top of one another in order to reduce storage space and allow for ease in transport.

(96) While the stands are described for use on an edge of a swimming pool, the stands can be used in other applications. For example, the stands can be positioned on the edges of outdoor tables, such as picnic tables, where the bottom of the umbrella post abuts the ground. Additionally, the stands can be place on tailgates of trucks to be used for tail gating, with the umbrella post abutting the ground. In these other applications the umbrella can also provide shade to those around it, and the stands can be used for supporting beverage holders, and portable coolers.

Third Embodiment

(97) FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a third embodiment stand 300 for supporting beverage containers and a pool umbrella post, formed from a metal panel. FIG. 12B is another perspective view of the stand 300 of FIG. 12A without the clamping screw/knob 130.

(98) FIG. 13A is a top view of the stand 300 of FIGS. 12A-12B. FIG. 13B is a side view of the stand 300 of FIGS. 12A-12B.

(99) Referring to FIGS. 12A-13B, the stand can be formed from a metal plate 310 formed from aluminum or galvanized metal.

(100) The plate can have a generally rectangular configuration with a length of approximately 16 inches and a width of approximately 14 inches.

(101) A front 311 of the plate can have a downward vertical bent portion 312 with a smaller diameter than the top of the metal plate 310, The downward vertical bent portion 312 can have a height of approximately 5.50 inches, with an inward bent step portion 314 similar to the step portion in the preceding figures.

(102) On top of the plate can be a nonmetal layer 320 adhered thereon, having a plurality of circular indentations 322 for supporting beverage containers thereon. The nonmetal layer 320 can be located between the front 311 and rear 318 of the metal plate 310

(103) A vertical through-hole 315 can pass through the top of the nonmetal layer and the plate having a teardrop shape or oval shape or triangular shape therethrough.

(104) A horizontal through-hole 313 can pass through the downward vertical bent portion 312 for allowing the threaded rod attached to the clamping screw/knob 130. Additional accessory mount through-hole(s) 325 can pass through the nonmetal layer 320 and top of the metal plate 310.

(105) FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the stand 300 of FIGS. 12A-13B about an edge 175 of a swimming pool with an umbrella post 360 clamped to the stand 300 and a cooler 350 as ballast for the stand 300. The stand 300 is assembled similar to the stands of the previous embodiments.

(106) FIG. 14B is a side view of FIG. 14B. The top metal plate 310 rests on a portion of the pool coping 178 of the swimming pool.

(107) FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the stand 300 of FIGS. 12A-13B about an edge 175 of a swimming pool with an umbrella post 160 clamped to the stand 300 and a potted plant 360 as ballast for the stand. The stand 300 is assembled similar to the stands of the previous embodiments The top metal plate 310 rests on a portion of the pool coping 178 of the swimming pool.

(108) FIG. 15B is a side view of FIG. 15A.

(109) FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the stand 300 of FIGS. 12A-13B about an edge 175 of a swimming pool with an umbrella post 160 clamped to the stand 300 with an approximate 35 pound weight 370 as ballast for the stand 300.

(110) FIG. 16B is a side view of FIG. 16A. The stand 300 is assembled similar to the stands of the previous embodiments. The top metal plate 310 rests on a portion of the pool coping 178 of the swimming pool.

(111) FIG. 17A is a perspective exploded view of the stand 300 of FIGS. 12A-13B along with an optional portable phone holder 400. FIG. 17B is a perspective assembled view of the stand 300 in FIG. 17A with the portable phone holder 400 mounted.

(112) FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the portable phone holder 400 shown in FIGS. 17A-17B. FIG. 18B is a front view of the portable phone holder 400 of FIG. 18A. FIG. 18C is a side view of the portable phone holder 400 of FIG. 18A.

(113) Referring to FIGS. 12A and 17A-18B, a portable phone holder 40 can include a back plate 410 with a lower ledge 420 having an upward bent edge 424 with ledge tip(s) 426. A post 430 extends downward from the portable phone holder 400. The back plate 410 can have rectangular configuration with a width of approximately 5 inches and height of approximately 2.67 inches with an oval opening therethrough. The ledge 420 can run the width of the holder 400, and include an upward bent edge 424 with ledge tip(s) 426, which can support a portable phone 340 thereon.

(114) The post 530 can be mounted in one of the accessory mount hole(s) 325 through the nonmetal layer 320 and top of metal plate 310.

(115) While ballasts have been described as being weights caused by potted plants, coolers, and approximately 35 pound weights, the ballast can include weights caused by other items, such as but not limited to chair legs, chaise lounge legs, and the like.

(116) The term approximately/approximate can be +/10% of the amount referenced. Additionally, preferred amounts and ranges can include the amounts and ranges referenced without the prefix of being approximately.

(117) Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages.

(118) Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, each refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

(119) To aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words means for or step for are explicitly used in the particular claim.

(120) While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.