Methods and systems for anchoring umbrellas and the like

Abstract

The present invention includes a support system for securing an umbrella or similar object, the umbrella or similar object including a mounting rod, the support system including a housing and a sleeve, the housing including: a tubular body having an opening at a top for receiving the sleeve therein; a door located at the top of the body, the door being movable between a position blocking the opening and a position allowing the sleeve to be inserted into the housing; an orifice penetrating the door to receive a threaded bolt or similar object; and a mounting element for mounting the housing to a structure, and the sleeve including: a tubular body for insertion into the tubular body of the housing; and at least one threaded hole passing through the wall of the tubular body of the sleeve to receive a threaded bolt or similar object passing therethrough.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2024900282, filed on 7 February 2024 by the applicant, Ezy Holdings Pty Ltd, entitled “Method and System for Anchoring Umbrellas and the Like”, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to the field of anchoring and securing umbrellas, awnings, and the like. The invention is described below as a support for large umbrellas or awnings intended for sun or rain protection. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to this application. Background Technology

[0004] In this specification, the singular form of the word "inventor" may be regarded as referring to one (singular) inventor or more than one (plural) inventor of the present invention.

[0005] The discussion throughout this specification arises from the inventor's knowledge and / or understanding of certain related technical problems. Furthermore, any discussion of documents, devices, actions, or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the background of the invention. It should not be construed that any of the foregoing constitutes the basis of prior art or common general knowledge in the relevant technical field in Australia or elsewhere as of the priority date of the claims or the date thereof.

[0006] Umbrellas vary greatly in size and construction, from lightweight handheld paper parasols to medium and large beach umbrellas, and even umbrellas with large, heavy canopies used to shade areas such as outdoor dining tables.

[0007] These medium to large umbrellas are relatively heavy and require sturdy anchoring to prevent them from tipping over under their own weight, which could potentially cause personal injury and property damage. Umbrellas with larger canopies are also more easily blown over or lifted by the wind.

[0008] In beach umbrellas, the canopy is typically mounted at the upper end of a pointed pole, allowing the umbrella to be secured by inserting the pointed end of the pole into the sand.

[0009] In larger umbrellas (such as those used to shade outdoor dining or recreational areas), the canopy can be fixed to one end of the pole, while the other end can have a flat base. Such umbrellas are stabilized by placing counterweights (such as metal weights, sandbags, or lead pellets) on the metal base to weigh it down. A disadvantage of this method of stabilizing umbrellas is that it requires handling the counterweights or bags, and they cannot reliably provide stability against gusts of wind or unexpected mechanical impacts. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to mitigate at least one disadvantage associated with related technologies.

[0011] Therefore, in a first aspect of the embodiments of the invention described herein, this document includes a support system for stabilizing an umbrella or the like, the umbrella or the like including a mounting pole, the support system including a housing and a sleeve.

[0012] The housing includes:

[0013] A tubular body having an opening at the top for receiving a sleeve therein;

[0014] The door, located at the top of the main body, is movable between a position that blocks the opening and a position that allows the sleeve to be inserted into the housing;

[0015] At least one opening, penetrating the door, to receive a threaded bolt or the like; and

[0016] Mounting components, which are used to mount the housing to the structure, and

[0017] The sleeve includes:

[0018] A tubular body for insertion into the tubular body of the housing; and

[0019] At least one threaded hole, which passes through the wall of the tubular body of the sleeve, to receive a threaded bolt or the like passing through it.

[0020] Preferably, the housing of the support system further includes a substantially flat plate located at the top of the tubular body of the housing, the top plate having an opening through the top plate for receiving fixing screws or the like.

[0021] Preferably, the housing of the support system further includes at least one flange extending therefrom, each flange having at least one aperture through the flange for receiving fixing screws and the like.

[0022] Preferably, the housing of the support system further includes a tile edging at the upper end for receiving floor tiles or the like therein.

[0023] Preferably, the tubular body of the housing has at least one opening through the wall for receiving a fixing screw or the like.

[0024] Preferably, the cross-section of the tubular body of the shell is substantially rectangular.

[0025] Preferably, the door at the top of the body is hinged directly or indirectly to the housing, allowing the door to move between a position that blocks the opening and a position that allows the sleeve to be inserted into the housing.

[0026] Preferably, the tubular sleeve of the support system is substantially cylindrical.

[0027] Preferably, the threaded holes passing through the wall of the tubular body of the sleeve are substantially vertically aligned.

[0028] In a second aspect of the embodiments of the invention described herein, a kit for assembling parts into a support system of the first aspect of the invention is provided.

[0029] Preferably, the kit of parts further includes a set of bolts suitable for reception by the threaded hole.

[0030] In another aspect of the embodiments of the invention described herein, a housing for a support system according to a first aspect of the invention is provided.

[0031] In another aspect of the embodiments of the invention described herein, a sleeve for a support system according to a first aspect of the invention is provided.

[0032] The further applicability of embodiments of the invention will become clear from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate preferred embodiments of the invention, they are given by way of illustration only, and various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become clear to those skilled in the art based on this detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0033] By referring to the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can better understand the preferred embodiments and other embodiments of the present invention, their further disclosures, objects, advantages, and aspects. The drawings are given for illustration only and do not limit this disclosure, wherein:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the device;

[0036] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Top plan view of the device;

[0037] Figure 4 From Figure 1 A view taken from the bottom of the device;

[0038] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A side view of the device;

[0039] Figure 6 From Figure 1 A side view of the device viewed from the other side;

[0040] Figure 7 It is along Figure 3 A sectional view taken by line AA;

[0041] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of the components of a device, wherein the device is in a configuration;

[0042] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of the equipment, in which the equipment is in a different configuration;

[0043] Figure 10 This is an exploded isometric view of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A side view of a component of the device;

[0045] Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 A sectional view taken by line BB;

[0046] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 An exploded view of the device;

[0048] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 Top plan view of the device;

[0049] Figure 16 From Figure 13 A view taken from the bottom of the device;

[0050] Figure 17 yes Figure 13 A side view of the device;

[0051] Figure 18 From Figure 13 A side view of the device as seen from the other side;

[0052] Figure 19 It is along Figure 15 A cross-sectional view taken by line CC in the middle;

[0053] Figure 20 yes Figure 13 An isometric view of the components of a device, wherein the device is in a configuration;

[0054] Figure 21 yes Figure 13 An isometric view of the equipment, in which the equipment is in a different configuration;

[0055] Figure 22 This is an exploded isometric view of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 A side view of a component of the device;

[0057] Figure 24 It is along Figure 23 A sectional view taken from line DD;

[0058] Figure 25 This is a first isometric view of a component of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 First side view of the component;

[0060] Figure 27 yes Figure 25 An isometric view of the component from its bottom perspective;

[0061] Figure 28 yes Figure 25 Top plan view of the component;

[0062] Figure 29 yes Figure 25 The second side view of the component;

[0063] Figure 30 From Figure 25 A view of the bottom of the component;

[0064] Figure 31 yes Figure 25 The second isometric view of the component;

[0065] Figure 32 yes Figure 25 The third side view of the component;

[0066] Figure 33 yes Figure 25The second isometric view of the component from the bottom perspective, wherein illustration B shows magnified details of the component;

[0067] Figure 34 yes Figure 25 The top plan view of the component, with a cross-sectional view showing the other components into which the device is inserted;

[0068] Figure 35 yes Figure 34 First side view of the component;

[0069] Figure 36 yes Figure 34 The second side view of the component; and

[0070] Figure 37 yes Figure 34 The third side view of the component; Detailed Implementation

[0071] List of components referenced in the attached diagram:

[0072] 1 Support Components

[0073] 2 sleeves

[0074] 3. Shell

[0075] 4. Top plate of housing 3

[0076] 5 (Reserved)

[0077] 6 doors

[0078] 7. The pole or shaft of an umbrella or similar object

[0079] 8. Hinge plate of housing 3

[0080] 9. Spacer plate of shell 3

[0081] 10. The opening in the top plate 4

[0082] 11. Main body of shell 3

[0083] 12 Bottom plate of housing 3

[0084] 13 Mounting flange of bottom plate 12

[0085] 14 Fixing holes in top plate 4

[0086] 15 (Reserved)

[0087] 16 Fixing holes in the main body 11 of the housing 3

[0088] 17. Mounting holes in flange 13

[0089] 18. Threaded hole in sleeve 2

[0090] 19 Limit bolts

[0091] 20. Passing through the opening of door 6

[0092] 21. Head of limit bolt 19

[0093] 22 Tiles

[0094] 23 A tray-shaped edging for receiving tile 22

[0095] 24 Assembly trays

[0096] 25 Welds

[0097] 26 Offset center cut

[0098] 27. Top plate welding points

[0099] 28 Door Offset

[0100] 141 Groove-shaped fixing hole

[0101] 142 Assembly tray slot

[0102] 201 Groove-shaped orifice

[0103] Figures 1 to 12 The embodiments of the invention shown are particularly suitable for installation on decks, wooden floors, or the like. According to this embodiment of the invention, the support system 1 for an umbrella or the like has a sleeve 2 for receiving within a housing 3. The sleeve 2 includes a hollow column or other hollow tube for receiving the rod 7 of the umbrella or the like.

[0104] The housing 3 has a top plate 4 and a hinge plate 8, the top plate having an opening 10 therethrough, the hinge plate being located directly below the top plate 4 for mounting a hinged door 6. The hinged door 6 is movable between a "closed" position and an "open" position. In the closed position, the hinged door blocks the opening 10 in the top plate 4; in the open position, a sleeve 2 is allowed to be inserted through the opening 10 for reception within the housing 3. The top plate 4 has one or more mounting holes 14 through it for securing the housing 3 to a floor, deck, or similar object, thereby facilitating the restriction of lateral and / or vertical movement of the housing 3.

[0105] Door 6 has an opening through which bolts or similar objects pass, as described in detail below.

[0106] The housing has a spacer plate 9, which is located directly below the hinge plate. The hinge plate 8 and the spacer plate 9 also have orifices through them to allow the sleeve 2 to be inserted into the housing 3.

[0107] The housing 3 has a bottom plate 12 that substantially seals the bottom of the body 11. The bottom plate 12 has an upwardly extending, generally plate-shaped flange 13 that extends beyond the body 11 and has holes 17 for securing the housing 3 to an adjacent piece of wood or the like, such as a floor or deck, to restrict lateral and / or vertical movement of the housing 3.

[0108] The threaded hole 18 is preferably vertically aligned and passes through the wall of the sleeve 2 for receiving a limiting bolt 19 with a head 21. At least one bolt 19 passes through the orifice 20 in the door 6 and the threaded hole 18 in the sleeve 2 to frictionally abut against the umbrella rod 7. This arrangement facilitates the prevention of vertical and / or lateral movement of both the sleeve 2 and the rod 7 relative to the housing 3.

[0109] At least other limit bolts 19 can be configured to pass through threaded holes 18 in sleeve 2 to frictionally abut against sleeve 2, thereby facilitating the prevention of vertical movement of rod 7 relative to sleeve 2.

[0110] The support components and parts of this invention can be manufactured using any suitable metal or plastic material. Preferred metals include steel and aluminum alloys. Preferred plastic materials include ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic. The manufacture of the components depends on the materials used. For example, at least a portion of the housing can be injection molded from a plastic material or an aluminum alloy. The tubular body of the sleeve can be produced by cutting a raw material tube to a certain length and drilling and tapping holes in it.

[0111] Figure 10 The embodiments of the present invention shown are Figures 1 to 9 A variation of the embodiment, and adapted to provide a tile edging. Figure 10 One embodiment has a tile edging 23 mounted on the top of the housing body 11 for receiving tiles 22 when the housing is not in use (i.e., when the housing 3 does not have a sleeve 2 installed therein). The tile edging 23 is held in place by an assembly plate 24, which is then connected to the tile edging 23 by bolts and the like passing through alignment holes in the assembly plate 24 and the top plate 4.

[0112] Figures 13 to 24 The illustrated embodiment of the invention is particularly suitable for installation on roads or similar surfaces. According to this embodiment of the invention, the bottom plate 12 of the housing 3 does not have... Figures 1 to 12 The upwardly extending, roughly plate-shaped flange 13.

[0113] Therefore, it can be seen that the embodiments currently described in this invention provide a support for umbrellas, awnings, and mountable objects. This embodiment has a fixed support to provide lateral and upward lifting anchoring to the mountable object. This embodiment provides a housing that can be screwed into or embedded in or beneath a surface, allowing a sleeve to be inserted, bolted to a cover of the housing, and protruding around the surface. This provides rigidity because the sleeve itself is secured to the cover of the housing to prevent any lateral movement or upward lifting.

[0114] Embodiments of the present invention do not require traditional heavy umbrella bases and counterweights (which remain upright under moderate lateral and / or upward forces, such as wind). Once the housing is secured to the structure or embedded in concrete, a sleeve can be inserted and attached to the cover of the housing, eliminating the need for heavy weights and umbrella bases. When disassembling the umbrella or similar, simply loosen the retaining bolts, remove the sleeve, and close the cover. The cover then flush with the surrounding surface without the risk of tripping. No heavy base or counterweight is required to secure the umbrella or similar installation.

[0115] In another embodiment of the invention, the support system can be optionally secured or weighed down in strong winds that may cause objects to move around and / or become projectiles, damaging buildings and / or injuring people. In this regard, the housing is adapted to allow steel bars or bolts to be inserted through it, preferably located approximately 50 mm below the top of the housing, and can be secured to a reinforcing mesh for concrete reinforcement. See the fixing hole marked 16 in the body 11 of the housing 3 in the accompanying drawings, which allows the insertion of steel bars or bolts through the housing 3. This means that in order to force the support system out of its anchorage, yielding or movement of the concrete and / or reinforcing steel is required.

[0116] Reference Figures 25 to 37 This provides another embodiment of the invention. For example... Figure 26 , Figure 29 , Figure 32 , Figure 35 , Figure 36 and Figure 37 As shown in the side view, the weld is located on at least one side of the main housing component 11. Figure 33 As shown, an offset center cutout 26 is provided in the assembly tray. This offset center cutout has an increased dimension, providing an offset of approximately 1 mm to optimize the assembly fit of the components. Figure 33As shown in Illustration B, the slotted fixing hole 141 can be aligned with the assembly tray slot 142, which provides a slotted lower tray for optimizing the assembly fit of the components. In addition, the assembly tray has an increased depth, preferably approximately 24-25 mm, to allow the internal tile tray to be positioned or at a flush depth, thereby avoiding any tripping hazard, such as in... Figure 26 , Figure 29 and Figure 32 This is confirmed and shown in the side view. (As...) Figure 36 As shown, a door offset 28 is provided, with an offset of approximately 2.5 mm from the outer side of the hinge bar to the end of door 6. (Refer to...) Figure 34 The image shows a slotted opening 201. This slotted opening in the door 6 is used to improve alignment with the limiting bolt 19 of the sleeve 2. The top plate welding point 27 is provided to create a gap for assembling the disc 24.

[0117] While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood that the invention is capable of further modifications. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or improvements of the invention as generally described in accordance with the principles of the invention, and includes various modifications made to this disclosure by known or customary practice within the field to which this invention pertains, and which may be applied to the basic features set forth above.

[0118] Since the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the essential spirit of the invention, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the above embodiments do not limit the invention, but should be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects merely illustrative and not restrictive.

[0119] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of this invention and the appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments should be understood as illustrating many ways in which the principles of the invention can be practiced. In the appended claims, the method plus function clause is intended to cover structures that perform the defined functions, and not only structural equivalents, but equivalent structures. For example, although nails and screws may not be structural equivalents because nails use a cylindrical surface to fasten wooden parts together, while screws use a helical surface, in the context of fastening wooden parts, nails and screws are equivalent structures.

[0120] Sections I-VII below provide guidance for interpreting this specification.

[0121] I. Terminology

[0122] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the term "product" means any machine, manufacture and / or component of a substance.

[0123] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the term "process" refers to any procedure, algorithm, method, etc.

[0124] Every process (whether referred to as a method, algorithm, or otherwise) inherently comprises one or more steps, and therefore all references to “one step” or “multiple steps” of a process have an inherent prior basis in the statement of the term “process” or similar terms. Thus, any reference in the claims to one or more “steps” of a process has a sufficient prior basis.

[0125] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the term "invention" means "one or more inventions disclosed in this specification".

[0126] The terms “an embodiment, embodiment, embodiments,” “the embodiment,” “one or more embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “certain embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “another embodiment,” etc., mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the disclosed invention,” unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0127] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the term "variation" in this invention refers to embodiments of the invention.

[0128] Unless otherwise expressly stated, reference to “another embodiment” in describing an embodiment does not imply that the cited embodiment is mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment described prior to the cited embodiment).

[0129] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms “including,” “comprise,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to.”

[0130] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms “a (a, an)” and “the” mean “one or more”.

[0131] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the term "multiple" means "two or more".

[0132] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the term "here" means "in this specification, including anything that may be incorporated by reference".

[0133] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the phrase "at least one" when such a phrase modifies multiple things (such as a list of enumerated things) means any combination of one or more of those things. For example, the phrase "at least one of a component, a car, and a wheel" means (i) a component, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a component and a car, (v) a component and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a component, a car, and a wheel. When such a phrase modifies multiple things, the phrase "at least one" does not mean "one of each of the multiple things."

[0134] Numerical terms, such as “one”, “two”, etc., when used as a cardinal number to indicate the quantity of something (e.g., one component, two components), indicate the quantity indicated by the numerical term, but not at least the quantity indicated by the numerical term. For example, the phrase “one component” does not mean “at least one component,” and therefore the phrase “one component” does not cover, for example, two components.

[0135] The phrase “based on” does not mean “based on only” unless otherwise explicitly stated. In other words, the phrase “based on” describes both “based on only” and “based on at least”. The phrase “based on at least” is equivalent to the phrase “based on at least partially”.

[0136] The term "represent" and similar terms are not exclusive unless otherwise expressly stated. For example, unless otherwise expressly stated, the term "represent" does not mean "represents only". In other words, the phrase "data represents a credit card number" describes both "data represents a credit card number only" and "data represents a credit card number and data also represents other things".

[0137] The term "by virtue of" is used herein only before clauses or other sets of words that express only the intended result, purpose, or consequence of something previously explicitly stated. Therefore, when the term "by virtue of" is used in a claim, the clause or other word modified by the term "by virtue of" does not establish a specific further limitation on the claim or otherwise limit its meaning or scope.

[0138] The term "eg," and similar terms, mean "for example," and therefore do not limit the terms or phrases they can interpret. For instance, in the sentence "Computers send data (e.g., instructions, data structures) over the Internet," the term "eg," for example, explains that "instructions" are examples of "data" that computers can send over the Internet, and also explains that "data structures" are examples of "data" that computers can send over the Internet. However, "instructions" and "data structures" are only examples of "data," and other things besides "instructions" or "data structures" can also be "data."

[0139] The term “that is” and similar terms mean “that is to say”, thus limiting the terms or phrases to which they are interpreted. For example, in the sentence “The computer sends data (i.e., instructions) over the Internet,” the term “that is” is interpreted as “instructions” being “data” sent by the computer over the Internet.

[0140] Any given range of numbers should include both integers and fractions within that range. For example, the range “1 to 10” should be interpreted as specifically including integers (e.g., 2, 3, 4, ... 9) and non-integers (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, ... 1.9) between 1 and 10.

[0141] II. Determined

[0142] The term "determine" and its grammatical variations (e.g., determining price, determining value, determining an object that meets a specific criterion) have an extremely wide range of uses. The term "determine" encompasses a wide variety of actions; therefore, "determine" can include accounting, calculation, processing, derivation, investigation, searching (e.g., looking in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, etc. Furthermore, "determine" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), etc. Additionally, "determine" can include parsing, selecting, picking, establishing, etc.

[0143] The term “certain” does not imply certainty or absolute precision, and therefore “certain” can include estimation, extrapolation, prediction, guessing, etc.

[0144] The term “determine” does not imply that mathematical processing, numerical methods, algorithms, or procedures must be performed.

[0145] The term "determine" does not mean that any specific device must be used. For example, a computer does not necessarily need to perform determination.

[0146] III Indicator Marker

[0147] The term "indicator sign" has an extremely broad meaning. Specifically, it can refer to the sign, symptom, or characteristic of a class of things, among other things.

[0148] The term "indicator" can be used to refer to a mark and / or other information that can characterize a subject, item, entity and / or other object and / or idea or associated with a subject, item, entity and / or other object and / or idea.

[0149] As used herein, the phrases “information for representation” and “label” can be used to refer to any information that represents, describes, and / or otherwise associates with a relevant entity, subject, or object.

[0150] The marking of information may include, for example, symbols, codes, reference marks, links, signals, identifiers and / or any combination thereof and / or any other information representation associated with the information.

[0151] In some embodiments, the label of information (or the label used to characterize information) may be or include the information itself and / or any part or component of the information. In some embodiments, the indicator may include a request, solicitation, broadcast, and / or any other form of information collection and / or dissemination.

[0152] IV. Sentence Types

[0153] The limiting feature of the first claim will cover one feature as well as more than one feature (e.g., the limitation of "at least one component" covers one component as well as more than one component), and in the second claim that references the first claim, the second claim uses the definite article "the" to refer to the limitation (e.g., "component"), which does not mean that the first claim covers only one feature, nor does it mean that the second claim covers only one feature (e.g., "component" can cover one component as well as more than one component).

[0154] When ordinal numbers (such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.) are used as adjectives preceding a term, the ordinal number is used only (unless explicitly stated otherwise) to indicate a particular feature, for example, to distinguish that particular feature from another feature described by the same or similar terms. For example, the naming of “first component” is solely to distinguish it from, for example, “second component.” Therefore, the mere use of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “component” does not indicate any other relationship between the two components, nor any other feature of either or both components. For example, the mere use of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “component” (1) does not indicate that either component is before or after any other component in order or position; (2) does not indicate that either component occurs or acts before or after any other time; and (3) does not indicate that either component is greater or less important or of lower quality than any other component. Furthermore, the mere use of ordinal numbers does not define a quantitative limit on the features identified by ordinal numbers. For example, the mere use of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “component” does not indicate that there cannot be more than two components.

[0155] When this document describes a single device or object, it may alternatively use more than one device / object (whether or not they cooperate) to refer to the single device / object described. Thus, a function described as being possessed by a device may alternatively be implemented by more than one device / object (whether or not they cooperate).

[0156] Similarly, in cases where more than one device or object is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), a single device / object can alternatively be used to replace the more than one device or object described. For example, multiple computer-based devices can be replaced by a single computer-based device. Thus, various functions described as being possessed by more than one device or object can alternatively be implemented by a single device / object.

[0157] The functionality and / or features of the single device described may alternatively be embodied by one or more other devices that are described but not explicitly described as having such functionality / features. Therefore, other embodiments need not include the described device itself, but may include one or more other devices that have such functionality / features in those other embodiments.

[0158] The examples and terms disclosed in V are non-limiting.

[0159] The headings and abstracts in this specification are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed invention in any way. The headings and subject matter of the various sections provided in the specification are for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure in any way.

[0160] Numerous embodiments are described in this application, and these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not, and are not intended to be, limiting in any sense. As will be apparent from the disclosure, the presently disclosed invention is broadly applicable to many embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed invention can be implemented with various modifications and alterations, such as structural modifications. Although specific features of the disclosed invention may be described with reference to one or more specific embodiments and / or drawings, it should be understood that these features are not limited to their use in the one or more specific embodiments or drawings described with reference thereto, unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0161] This disclosure is not a literal description of all embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, this disclosure is not a list of inventive features that are essential to all embodiments.

[0162] The description of an embodiment having several components or features does not imply that all or even any of these components / features are necessary. Rather, various optional components are described to illustrate various possible embodiments of the invention. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, no component / function is required.

[0163] Although process steps, operations, etc., may be described in a specific order, these processes can be configured to operate in different orders. In other words, any order or sequence of steps that can be explicitly described does not necessarily imply that these steps must be performed in that order. The process steps described herein can be performed in any actual order. Furthermore, although described or implied to occur non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after another), some steps may be performed concurrently. Moreover, the illustration of the process by way of its depiction in the accompanying drawings does not imply that other variations and modifications thereof are excluded, nor does it imply that the illustrated process or any step thereof is necessary for the invention, nor does it imply that the illustrated process is preferred.

[0164] Although a process may be described as including multiple steps, this does not mean that all or any of the steps are preferred, necessary, or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of the invention include processes that omit some or all of the described steps. Unless otherwise expressly stated, no step is required.

[0165] While a process may be described in isolation or without reference to other products or methods, in one embodiment, the process may interact with other products or methods. For example, such interaction may include linking one business model to another. This interaction can be provided to enhance the flexibility or practical value of the process.

[0166] Although a product may be described as including multiple parts, aspects, qualities, features, and / or characteristics, this does not imply that any one or all of these multiple aspects are preferred, necessary, or essential. Various other embodiments within the described scope of the invention include other products in which some or all of the described multiple embodiments are omitted.

[0167] The list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all items are mutually exclusive unless otherwise expressly stated. Similarly, the list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all items encompass any category unless otherwise expressly stated. For example, the list “sleeves, shells, plates” does not imply that any or all of the three items in the list are mutually exclusive, nor does it imply that any or all of the three items in the list cover any subcategory of their respective classes.

[0168] The list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all items are equivalent to each other or easily substituted for one another.

[0169] All embodiments are illustrative and do not imply that the invention or any embodiment is developed or practiced on a case-by-case basis.

[0170] When used in this specification, the terms "comprises" and "includes" are used to specify the presence of a said feature, integral, step, or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, components, or combinations thereof. Therefore, unless the context explicitly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the terms "comprise," "includes," "including," etc., should be interpreted as inclusive, not exclusive or exhaustive; that is, they are interpreted as "including but not limited to."

Claims

1. A support system for stabilizing an umbrella or similar object, the umbrella or similar object including a mounting rod, the support system including a housing and a sleeve. The housing includes: A tubular body having an opening at the top for receiving the sleeve therein; A door, located at the top of the body, is movable between a position that blocks the opening and a position that allows the sleeve to be inserted into the housing; An opening that penetrates the door to receive a threaded bolt or the like; as well as Mounting components, which are used to mount the housing to the structure, and The sleeve includes: A tubular body for insertion into the tubular body of the housing; as well as At least one threaded hole, which passes through the wall of the tubular body of the sleeve, to receive a threaded bolt or the like passing through it.

2. The support system of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a substantially flat plate located at the top of the tubular body of the housing, the top plate having an opening through the top plate for receiving a fixing screw or the like.

3. The support system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the housing further includes at least one flange extending from the housing, each flange having at least one aperture through the flange for receiving fixing screws and the like.

4. The support system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing further includes a tile edging at the upper end for receiving floor tiles or the like therein.

5. The support system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular body of the housing has at least one opening through the wall for receiving a fixing screw or the like.

6. The support system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The tubular body of the shell has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

7. The support system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A door at the top of the body is directly or indirectly hinged to the housing, allowing the door to move between a position that blocks the opening and a position that allows the sleeve to be inserted into the housing.

8. The support system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular sleeve is substantially cylindrical.

9. The support system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the threaded holes through the wall of the tubular body of the sleeve are substantially vertically aligned.

10. A kit for assembling parts into a support system according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. The kit of parts according to claim 9, further comprising a set of bolts adapted to be received by threaded holes.

12. A housing for a support system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. A sleeve for a support system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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