Abstract:
A polestand that supports and elevates peripheral devices such as electronic flat screen computer monitors. The polestand has either a base, a pole, and a collar or a pole, which can be vertically secured, and a collar. The collar has a support mount that accommodates components including a moveable extension arm and a tilter which are attached to the peripheral device. The polestand is balanced in such a way as to prevent or minimize the risk of tipping.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/137,087, filed Jun. 2, 1999. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to a stand for mounting peripheral devices, and more particularly, to a polestand for elevating and supporting a flat-screen electronic peripheral device, such as a computer monitor or television.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Adjustable stands for use with electronic or other equipment are known in the prior art. Such stands are useful when it is required to elevate a device off a floor, a desk, or other surface, in order that the device meets eye-level or some other desired height. Stands also serve to hold cumbersome objects that are not designed to be placed directly on a surface due to ventilation requirements or other concerns.  
           [0004]    In conjunction with stands, it is known in the art to also provide mechanical extension arms and/or tilters in order to position the supported equipment. Typically, an extension arm is attached to the stand and may then be attached to, among other things, a computer monitor. The arm enables the user to linearly position the device along one or more axes. Such extension arms are shown and described in Applicant&#39;s co-pending patent applications&#39;: “An Arm Apparatus for Mounting Electronic Devices”, filed on Sep. 24, 1999 and assigned application Ser. No. 09/405,628, which claimed priority of the Provisional Application No. 60/133,378, filed on May 10, 1999, and “Arm Apparatus for Mounting Electronic Devices with Cable Management System” filed on Sep. 24, 1999 and assigned application Ser. No. 09/406,006, which claimed the priority of the Provisional Application No. 60/138,120 filed on Jun. 7, 1999. These co-pending applications are incorporated by reference herein as fully as if they were set forth in their entirety.  
           [0005]    In order that a device may be positioned with even greater precision, a tilter is typically employed that allows a device to be rotated about one or more axis. The tilter may be attached to the extension arm previously discussed, or attached directly to the stand. One such tilter is shown and described in Applicant&#39;s co-pending patent application entitled “A Tilter for Positioning Electronic Devices”, filed on Sep.  27 ,  1999  and assigned Application No.  09 / 406 , 530 , which claimed the priority of the Provisional Application No. 60/137,088, filed on Jun. 2, 1999. This co-pending application is incorporated by reference herein as fully as if it were set forth in its entirety.  
           [0006]    In the prior art, when an electronic device such as a computer monitor or a television was desired to be positioned and/or removed from the surface of a desk, the device was provided with a extension arm connected to a stand. The stand was either clamped to the desk or provided with a heavy base which helped to keep the device from tipping over.  
           [0007]    However, the stands of the prior art are not well suited for use with flat-screen devices, such as flat-screen computer monitors and televisions. For instance, one of the reasons that flat-screen devices are increasing in popularity is due the fact that they require a minimal amount of space and are relatively lightweight. Because stands were often meant to support the weight of a large monitor, they often consisted of the extension arm firmly clamped to a rigid surface.  
           [0008]    A common prior art stand, often provided with monitors, consists of a base constructed from a sturdy plastic material. A tilter is often included as part of the base, allowing the monitor to be rotated and tilted. However, such a stand has many limitations. For example, in order that it may support relatively large computer monitors, the base of such a stand must itself be relatively large and thus requires an abundance of desk space. Furthermore, these stands typically require that the center of gravity of the monitor remains directly above the stand. This is necessary to prevent the weight of the monitor from tipping over the stand. Another problem with prior art stands is that they cannot be used interchangeably with various tilters, extension arms, and the like.  
           [0009]    Thus, there is a need for a polestand device that is suitable for supporting an electronic peripheral device, such as a flat-screen computer monitor or television, and that can accommodate various extension arms and tilters.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The present invention provides a polestand that supports and elevates peripheral devices. The present invention is further designed to accommodate electronic flat screen computer monitors and television screens. It is also capable of operating interchangeably with extension arms, tilters, and other devices.  
           [0011]    Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, a polestand is provided having a base, a pole attached to the base, and a collar which is positionable on the pole. The collar is provided with a support mount that can receive various components which may in turn be attached to a peripheral device.  
           [0012]    According to other embodiments of the invention, a polestand is provided having a pole secured in a vertical manner, and a collar which is positionable on the pole. The collar is provided with a support mount that can receive various components which may in turn be attached to a peripheral device. The polestand also may have more than one collar. 
       
    
    
       [0013]    The above descriptions set forth rather broadly the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed descriptions thereof that follow may be understood, and in order that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed descriptions considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for the purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]    In the drawings in which like reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a polestand having a base, a pole, and a collar according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 2 a  is a side view of the base illustrated in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 b  is a bottom view of the base illustrated in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3 a  is side view of the pole illustrated in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 b  is a sectional view through line A-A of the pole illustrated in FIG. 3 a  according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 c  is a rear view of the pole illustrated in FIG. 3 a  according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 3 d  is a side view of a second pole attached to the pole illustrated in FIG. 3 a  according to one embodiment of the invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 3 e  is a top view of the second pole illustrated in FIG. 3 d  according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 4 a  is a side view of the collar illustrated in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 4 b  is a top view of the collar illustrated in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 4 c  is a front view of the collar illustrated in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 5 a  is a top view of the pole illustrated in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 5 b  is an enlargement of the section B of the pole illustrated in FIG. 5 a ;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 6 a  is a top view of the collar illustrated in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 6 b  is an enlargement of the section C of the collar illustrated in FIG. 6 a ;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 7 is a side view of the pole illustrated in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a polestand having a pole and a collar according to one embodiment of the invention; and  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the pole illustrated in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0033]    The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment, relates to a polestand  10 , illustrated in FIG. 1, capable of supporting a peripheral device, such as a flat-screen computer monitor, television, other electronic device or the like. The polestand  10  is configured so that it may be used in conjunction with an arm apparatus and/or a tilter as described in Applicant&#39;s previously referenced co-pending applications. As shown in FIG. 1, the polestand  10  is comprised of a base  20 , a pole  40 , and a collar  60 . These components allow a computer monitor to be supported at an adjustable distance from a surface.  
         [0034]    With additional reference to FIGS. 2 a  and  2   b , the base  20  is now described in more detail according to one embodiment of the invention. The base  20  is a block-shaped object having a hollow interior portion and a rectangular profile when viewed from below (FIG. 2 b ). In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2 a , the top surface of the base  20  is curved from a front portion  32  to a rear portion  34 . Thus, the thickness of the base  20  is relatively small at the front and rear portion  32 ,  34  and increases towards a center area  35 . Such a shape is aesthetically pleasing and, importantly, is minimally obtrusive, allowing a monitor to be positioned near the surface on which the base  20  is located. A covering for the underside may be supplied but is not required. In order to provide stable support for an electronic device, the base  20  is preferably fabricated from a metal such as steel or aluminum, or from plastic.  
         [0035]    Beginning at the center area  35 , a boss  23  protrudes from the curved surface of the base  20  and extends to the rear portion  34  providing a flat surface. Within the boss  23  is a seat  22 , such as an o-shaped seat, which has a key mating region  26 , referred to as a third key mating region, disposed longitudinally along its surface. The third key mating region  26  may take the form of a key or a keyway and may have any appropriate cross-section including, but not limited to, one which is rectangular or triangular. At the center of the seat  22 , is an opening or a hole  24  that communicates between the interior and exterior surface of the seat  22 . As discussed in more detail below, the third key mating region  26  prevents the pole  40  from rotating in the seat  22 , and the hole  24  aids in securing the pole  40  to the base  20 .  
         [0036]    Now specifically considering FIG. 2 b , other features of the base  20  may be shown. In order to stiffen the base  20 , additional material  38  is disposed in each corner  36 . A shallow circular depression  39  is disposed in each area of additional material  38  to receive feet (not shown) fabricated from rubber or other appropriate material. Such feet help to prevent the base  20  from inadvertently being moved. In one embodiment of the invention, a weighted object (not shown), such as a relatively heavy piece of metal is secured to the hollow underside of the base  20  so as to permit the base  20  to be fabricated from a lighter, less costly material such as rigid plastic.  
         [0037]    With continued reference to FIG. 1 and now turning to FIGS. 3 a  and  3   b , the pole  40  is now described in more detail. The pole  40  is a hollow, cylindrical object which is preferably fabricated from a rigid metal such as zinc. Because the pole  40  is hollow, less material is used in its manufacture. In the preferred embodiment, the pole  40  has an outer diameter in the range of 1½ inches, a thickness of {fraction (1/10)} inch, and a length of 12 inches. However, it is understood that the pole  40  may take on other appropriate dimensions.  
         [0038]    In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 a , a key mating region  42 , referred to as a first key mating region, is disposed longitudinally along the entire length of the pole  40 . However, in other embodiments, the first key mating region  42  may only extend part of the length of the pole  40 . The first key mating region  42  may take the form of a key or a keyway and may have any appropriate cross-section including, but not limited to, one which is rectangular or triangular. However, the first key mating region  42  must have a shape which allows it to engage the third key mating region  26  of the base  20 . The first key mating region  42  may be machined into the pole  40  provided that the pole  40  has an appropriate thickness. Alternatively, the first key mating region  42  may be part of an extrusion that creates the pole  40 .  
         [0039]    In one embodiment, an extender  44  is provided that slides within the pole  40 . The extender  44  preferably has a rectangular cross section and is about half the length of the pole  40 . The dimensions of the cross section are dictated by the inner diameter of the pole  40  and the first key mating region  42 . It is preferred that the extender  44 , while capable of sliding in and out of the pole  40 , fits securely and is not rotatable within the pole  40 . The extender  44  is secured relative to the pole  40  (so as to prevent movement after it is placed in a desired position) by a set screw (not shown) or by any such means now known or later conceived. The extender  44  provides additional adjustability to devices mounted thereon.  
         [0040]    A second pole  40 a, as shown in FIG. 3 d , may be slidingly inserted over the extended portion of the extender  44 . Preferably, the second pole  40 a will possess the same diameter and thickness as the pole  40 , thereby enabling the second pole  40   a  to rest on top of the pole  40 . Alternatively, the second pole  40   a  may contain an enclosed top end  46   a , shown in FIG. 3 e , which may rest on top of the extender  44 . The second pole  40   a  also may be attached to the pole  40  and/or the extender  44  by other means currently known in the art or later conceived. The second pole  40   a  further will have a key mating region  42   c , referred to as a fourth key mating region. Preferably, the fourth key mating region  42   c  will have the same dimensions as the first key mating region  42  of the pole  40 , in conjunction with which the second pole  40   a  is used. The enclosed top end  46   a  will include either a notch  49   a  or an extrusion corresponding to the shape of the fourth key mating region  42   c.    
         [0041]    As shown in FIG. 3 c , at one end of the pole  40 , a cap  46 , such as a disc-shaped cap, may be provided having a tapped hole  48  and a notch  49  corresponding to the first key mating region  42 . The cap  46  may be spot welded to the end of the pole  40  or otherwise appropriately affixed. As explained immediately below, the cap  46  serves as an end region of the pole  40  and aids in securing the pole  40  to the base  20 .  
         [0042]    The pole  40  is inserted into the seat  22  of the base  20  such that the first key mating region  42  engages the third key mating region  26 . The engagement between the third and the first key mating regions  26 ,  42  prevents the pole  40  from rotating within the seat  22 . A threaded fastener (not shown) is now inserted through the hole  24  of the base  20  and is screwed into the tapped hole  48  of the cap  46  leaving the pole  40  securely attached to the base  20 .  
         [0043]    With continued reference to FIG. 1 and with further reference to FIGS. 4 a ,  4   b , and  4   c , the collar  60  is described in more detail. Preferably, the collar  60  is fabricated from a one inch thick piece of relatively stiff, relatively lightweight metal and is shaped to accommodate a pole opening  64  and a support mount  62 . Because the pole opening  64  and the support mount  62  both are incorporated in a single collar  60 , brackets and the like are not needed to support the device on the polestand  10 .  
         [0044]    The pole opening  64  is circular in shape and has a diameter which is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pole  40 . A key mating region  66 , referred to as a second key mating region, is disposed longitudinally along the pole opening  64 . The second key mating region  66  may take the form of a key or a keyway and may have any appropriate cross-section including, but not limited to, one which is rectangular or triangular. However, the second key mating region  66  must take on a shape which allows it to engage the first key mating region  42  of the pole  40 . Thus, the collar  60  is placed over the pole  40  via the pole opening  64 , wherein the engagement of the first and the second key mating regions  42 ,  66  prevents the collar  60  from rotating about the pole  40 . A first tapped set screw hole  67  is preferably disposed at an angle of 90 degrees from the position of the second key mating region  66 . After the collar  60  is placed on the pole  40 , a set screw (not shown) may be screwed into the first tapped set screw hole  67  and forced against the pole  40 , preventing vertical movement of the collar  60  relative to the pole  40 . If a second pole  40   a  has been attached to the pole  40 , the collar  60  can be attached to the second pole  40   a  in the same manner in which collar  60  can be attached to the pole  40 . When the collar  60  is attached to the second pole  40   a , the second key mating region  66  engages the fourth key mating region  42   c.    
         [0045]    According to one embodiment, the support mount  62  is a circular opening capable of receiving the device (not shown) to be supported. Preferably, the device includes a shaft which is a part of the tilter or the extension arm described in Applicant&#39;s previously referenced co-pending applications. A second tapped set screw hole  68  is preferably disposed at a position that directly opposes the second key mating region  66  of the pole opening  64 . A set screw (not shown) may be screwed into hole  68  and forced against the aforementioned shaft, helping to prevent both lateral rotation and vertical movement of the tilter or extension arm.  
         [0046]    In one embodiment, the key mating regions  26 ,  42 , and  66  are configured so that the support mount  62  is disposed in a region extending vertically above the base  20 . Alternatively, in another embodiment, the configuration is such that the vertical centerline of the support mount  62  is aligned with the vertical centerline of the base  20 . In yet another embodiment, the configuration is such that the center of gravity of the supported device is aligned with the vertical centerline of the base  20 . The placement of the support mount  62  determines the stability of polestand  10  and thus is an important factor in the overall design of the polestand  10 .  
         [0047]    It is to be understood that prevention of vertical movement of the collar  60  relative to the pole  40  can be accomplished by other fixing means (not shown). The other fixing means can include, but are not limited to, tabs and the like projecting from the pole  40 . Other fixing means can include increasing the diameter of the pole  40  from top to bottom, so that a slight cone shape is accomplished, thereby creating a snug fit when the diameter of the pole opening  64  coincides with the diameter of the pole  40 . Thus, various collars  60  having varying pole opening diameters could be fixed at various heights along the pole  40  corresponding to the increasing diameter of the pole  40 .  
         [0048]    In another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 a ,  5   b ,  6   a  and  6   b , the first key mating region  42 , of the pole  40 , may be configured to permit lateral movement of the corresponding second key mating region  66 , of the collar  60 , about the first key mating region  42 . This is accomplished by providing a keyway that is wider than the corresponding key, thereby allowing lateral movement of the key within the keyway. In FIG. 5 a , the first key mating region  42  is illustrated in the form of a keyway, and the second key mating region  66  is in the form of a key. The first key mating region  42 , of the pole  40 , is wider than the second key mating region  66 , of the collar  60 .  
         [0049]    As shown in FIG. 5 b , the second key mating region  66  in the form of a key is capable of rotating 15 degrees from a center axis  74 . Because the second key mating region  66  can rotate 15 degrees from the center axis  74  in two directions from the center axis  74 , the total range of lateral movement is 30 degrees.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b  illustrate an embodiment in which the second key mating region  66 , of the collar  60 , is wider than the first key mating region  42 , of the pole  40 . In this embodiment, the second key mating region  66  is in the form of a keyway, and the first key mating region  42  is in the form of a key. FIG. 6 b  illustrates a 30 degree range of lateral movement of the collar  60 , which is created by providing a 15 degree range of motion in two directions from a center axis  74 .  
         [0051]    These embodiments permit the collar  60  to be rotated about the pole  40  within a predetermined arc. Preferably, the key mating regions  42 ,  66  are configured to permit rotation of the collar  60  of between 30 and 45 degrees, more preferably between 15 and 30 degrees. By permitting partial rotation rather than requiring the collar  60  to be in a fixed position, the peripheral device that is attached to the collar  60  may also be placed in a range of positions about the pole  40 . It is important however that the arc of rotation not extend too far from the center of the first key mating region  42  so that the weight of the peripheral device does not cause the pole stand  10  to topple. Once the desired vertical and rotational positions on the pole  40  have been determined, a set screw (not shown) in the first tapped set screw hole  67  of the collar  60  may be tightened against the pole  40  to prevent further movement of the collar  60 .  
         [0052]    With continued reference to FIGS. 1, 5 a  and  5   b , and now turning to FIG. 7, the pole  40  is described in more detail. In this embodiment, the first key mating region  42  is in the form of a keyway. The first key mating region  42  includes a collar region  42   b  and a base region  42   a  wherein the collar region  42   b  is wider than the base region  42   a . The wider collar region  42   b  enables the collar  60  to rotate, as described in detail in reference to FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b . At the same time, the narrower base region  42   a  enables the base region  42   a  to engage the third key mating region  26  of the base  20  in a fixed manner.  
         [0053]    Another embodiment of the polestand  10  is illustrated in FIG. 8, which is a perspective view of a polestand  70  having only a pole  40  and a collar  60 . In this embodiment, the pole  40  and the collar  60  interact and function in all of the ways previously described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 7. However, in this embodiment, the pole  40  need not be vertically held in place by a base. Rather, the pole  40  may be vertically held in place by any number of securing means now known in the art or later conceived. By way of example, the pole  40  could be secured in a circular depression (not shown) in a surface, which could be in a desktop, floor, or the like. In addition, it is possible that the pole  40  could be vertically held in place by brackets (not shown) attached to both the pole  40  and a surface. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the securing means for the polestand  70  is discretionary.  
         [0054]    It is further to be understood that the number of collars  60  that can be attached to the pole  40  and/or the second pole  40   a  in either the polestand  10  or the polestand  70  is discretionary. Provided the polestand  10 ,  70  is of sufficient strength and size, at least one additional collar (not shown) along with the collar  60  can be attached to the pole  40  and/or the second pole  40   a , with the collar  60  and each additional collar (not shown) being located vertically above one another on the pole  40  and/or the second pole  40   a.    
         [0055]    Another embodiment of the polestand  10  or the polestand  70 , as illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a cable management system designed therein. That is, the pole  40  can house cables to and from the devices therewithin so as to be hidden from view yet still easily accessible. In this embodiment, the pole  40  includes an opening  50  formed therein. As illustrated, the opening  50  extends longitudinally along the entire length of the pole  40 . However, as one skilled in the art would know the opening  50  may be formed having various lengths and configurations. For example, the length of the opening  50  may extend through only a small portion of the pole  40 , through several separate and distinct portions of the pole  40 , or through a majority of the pole  40 . Likewise, the configuration of the opening  50  may have a cross section that is rectangular, oval or some other shape. The opening  50  may be formed in the pole  40  by, for example cutting the opening  50  therein, or the pole  40  may be formed with the opening  50  formed therein. The purpose of the opening  50  is to allow cables to travel through the pole  40 , thus hidden from view, and exit the pole  40  at the appropriate location or locations to connect to the device or the devices mounted thereto. Thus, the configuration selected depends on the number of devices and corresponding collars  60  that are to be connected to the pole  40 . The pole  40  also includes a cover  52  that is removably connected to the opening  50 , so as to hide the cables therewithin while still providing easy access thereto.  
         [0056]    The opening  50  is preferably on a side of the pole  40  that faces the front of the base  20  (for polestand  10 ) and the support mount  62  of the collar  60 . The opening  50  may weaken the pole  40 , especially if the opening  50  extends over a large portion the pole  40 . Thus, to compensate for the weakening of the pole  40 , a support member  54  is provided within the pole  40 . The support member  54  as illustrated is a plate that extends through the center of the pole  40 . However, one skilled in the art would realize that the support member  54  could take on multiple sizes, shapes and configurations without departing from the scope of the current invention.  
         [0057]    Another embodiment of the polestand  10  or  70  with cable management, as illustrated in FIG. 9, includes a groove  56  formed in an opposite side of the pole from the opening  50 . The groove  56  is formed adjacent to the end of the pole  40  that connects to the base  20  (for polestand  10 ) or the mounting surface (for polestand  70 ). The groove  56  starts at the edge of the pole  40  and extends laterally from the edge. The grove  56  is large enough to allow a cable to fit therethrough. Thus, in this configuration the cable can enter the pole  40  from behind the polestand  10  or  70 , travel through the pole  40 , and exit the front of the pole  40  at a position where a device is mounted to the collar  60 . The groove  56  may weaken the end of the pole  40 , so one embodiment includes extending the grove  56  by the thickness of a support shaft  58  and placing the support shaft  58  within the end of the pole  40  to provide support for the pole  40 .  
         [0058]    It is possible for one embodiment to include the groove being located where the first key mating region  42  would interact with the third key mating region  26 . In this embodiment, the first key mating region  42  would not be located at the end of the pole. Thus, a fifth key mating region  59  would need to be formed in the support shaft  58 , and the support shaft  58  would be inserted in to the pole  40  so that the fifth key mating region  59  was aligned with the third hey mating region  26  and the groove  58 . It should be noted that the cable needs to be inserted through the groove  56  prior to the support shaft  58  being inserted.  
         [0059]    Having described the construction of the polestand  10  above, a polestand system and a description of its operation may now be provided. For ease of packaging, the polestand  10  will likely be provided to a user in an unassembled fashion. The user would simply attach the pole  40  to the base  20  as described above. The collar  60  is then placed on the pole  40  and positioned at the desired height and held in place by a set screw, which is threaded through first tapped set screw hole  67 . The device being supported, such as a flat screen computer monitor, which may have been affixed to a tilter, may now be attached to the polestand  10  by engaging the shaft of the tilter with the support mount  62  of the collar  60 . A set screw may be threaded through hole  68  and forced against the shaft to prevent lateral and vertical movement of the shaft.  
         [0060]    Alternatively, an extension arm may first be attached to the polestand  10 , via the support mount  62 , and a tilter and monitor may then be affixed to an opposite end of the extension arm. Additional components may be utilized between the polestand  10  and the supported electronic device. It should also be noted that objects other than electronic devices, such as medical equipment, may be used in conjunction with the polestand  10 .  
         [0061]    The polestand  70  is assembled similarly to the assembly of the polestand  10 . However, the polestand  70  does not have the base  20 . Therefore, in this embodiment, the pole  40  may be secured in a vertical manner by any means currently known in the art or later conceived.  
         [0062]    Thus, while there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to alternative embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the disclosed invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. It is to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but that they are merely conceptual in nature.