Abstract:
A portable beach umbrella anchoring system and method are disclosed. The umbrella anchoring system includes a support frame system that includes central tube for receiving an umbrella shaft. The support frame system comprises a frame network that includes leg assemblies for penetrating and securing to a ground surface, so that a beach umbrella may firmly stand in sand, grass or soil in an upright or angled configuration with relatively little effort and no need for tools. The umbrella anchoring system includes an integrated folding table top system, which has storage compartments for supporting and storing food, drinks, keys, wallets and other accessories. The umbrella anchoring system also includes a canopy tethering system for securing the upper portion of an umbrella canopy to the ground which, among other things, may be particularly useful in the case of high winds.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application (Attorney&#39;s Ref. No. P218745) is a 371 of International PCT Application. No. PCT/US2014/047709 filed Jul. 22, 2014, currently pending. 
         [0002]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/857,138, filed Jul. 22, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0003]    The present invention relates generally to anchoring systems and, more particularly, to beach umbrella anchoring systems. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    Beach umbrellas are becoming an increasingly popular sight in many outdoor areas. Beach umbrellas are a convenient way to provide a shady place to rest and cool off, and a way to help prevent harmful sun exposure and sun burns. They are especially useful at the beach, sporting events, or other outdoor areas where a person will be exposed to the sun for long periods of time and not have access to shade or other sun blocking methods. 
         [0005]    Conventional beach umbrellas can be mounted directly in the ground or directly into the sand. The most common methods employed to secure a beach umbrella is to push the umbrella shaft as far as one can in to the sand, or to dig a hole, place the umbrella shaft into hole and then fill-in the hole. Often, this proves unsatisfactory, as the sand is too difficult to dig or is too loose such that it will not compact and provide adequate support. Even if one is able to dig a hole that is deep enough, or have some method of anchoring the umbrella well enough to stay upright in the wind, the umbrella canopy often folds or buckles or turns inside out as it is not strong enough to withstand stronger winds. 
         [0006]    Typically, outings at a beach or venue where an umbrella is employed include meals and/or drinks. They also typically include a variety of activities where it may be necessary to store items such as keys, electronic devices and the like. A beach towel is the usual place to put these items. However, when placed on a beach towel, keys and electronic devices (e.g., phones) can get sandy, wet or lost. Furthermore, food and drinks can likewise get sandy, wet and lost. Drinks may even be spilled. 
         [0007]    A variety of products have been developed to aid in securing or stabilizing an umbrella. For these devices to be useful, they must be lightweight and portable so that the user can easily take them to their destination, install them, and remove them without excessive effort. These devices must also be sturdy enough to withstand gusts of wind, people bumping into them, and other environmental factors. Therefore, the anchoring method or mechanism must not only be convenient and easy to use, but it must also form a secure and stable locking position. 
         [0008]    Some umbrella base stands have been designed so that the umbrella pole mounts within a cylinder which can be screwed into the sand or dirt. U.S. Design Pat. No. D630,834 to Cohen entitled “Anchor Auger for Beach Umbrella” illustrates an auger or drill method, where a spiral shaped auger device is attached to an umbrella shaft for the purpose of boring a hole into the sand deep enough to secure the umbrella shaft. 
         [0009]    There are several disadvantages to these types of methods. For example, it is often difficult for the average person to screw these devices to a depth necessary to properly support the umbrella. Furthermore, if the sand or ground material is too loosely packed, there will not be enough density to support the umbrella. Also, in cases where the angle of the umbrella shaft must be changed to compensate for the movement of the sun, the entire process needs to be repeated. 
         [0010]    Other types of umbrella base stands, such as those used in home patios, utilize a heavy or bulky base to support the umbrella. An example of such a stand is shown in U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2005/01899005 to Smith, et al. entitled “Umbrella Base”. The disadvantage of these types of products is that they are difficult to transport to other locations (due to their weight) such as the beach. 
         [0011]    Still other umbrella base stands are designed to receive and hold an umbrella shaft, and are then weighted down with sand or some other material to hold the entire apparatus in place. U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2002/0036008 to Hickam, et al. entitled “Umbrella Base Stand and Table” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,877 to Riffle, et al. entitled “Beach Umbrella Anchor Bag” show two such techniques. 
         [0012]    The disadvantage with these methods is that they still require substantial effort in moving sand or some other material in a quantity sufficient to stabilize the umbrella. In each case, the umbrella support apparatus is not secured into the ground. Accordingly, they rely solely on the weight of the sand or other material. Furthermore, they are not stable in that they can be blown over in modest winds. Also, they do not accommodate methods for angling the umbrella to compensate for the movement of the sun. In addition, these devices limit the user to locations where the ground material can be easily manipulated, thereby ruling out use at most parks or at other venues where there is no sand. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,277 to Naber entitled “Tie-Down for a Beach Umbrella” describes yet another method, which includes tethers that are attached to the umbrella shaft or canopy and that are then anchored in the sand. While these type of devices are successful at anchoring the canopy of the umbrella, they typically need to be attached to the canopy (or shaft) each time they are used and do not store with the umbrella when not in use. 
         [0014]    Accordingly, there is a need for an umbrella support system that overcomes one or more of the problems described above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The present invention is designed to address at least one of the aforementioned problems and/or meet at least one of the aforementioned needs. 
         [0016]    An umbrella anchoring system and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the umbrella anchoring system is used to support an umbrella having a shaft and a canopy. The umbrella anchoring system includes a center tube oriented vertically for receiving the shaft of the umbrella. A plurality of ribs are attached to the center tube at a proximal end. The plurality of ribs, when deployed, are oriented in a plane perpendicular to the center tube. A plurality of table leg assemblies correspond with the plurality of ribs. A proximal end of each of the plurality of table leg assemblies is correspondingly connected to a distal end of each of the plurality of ribs. Each of the plurality of table leg assemblies is substantially parallel to the center tube when deployed. Each of the plurality of table leg assemblies includes a moveable ground stake that is driven into the ground to secure the plurality of table leg assemblies in place relative to the ground. 
         [0017]    In one configuration, the present invention includes an integrated umbrella support frame system, a table top system and an umbrella canopy tethering system. 
         [0018]    In certain embodiments, the umbrella anchoring system: (1) will support or hold erect a beach umbrella on various surfaces and climatic conditions; (2) requires no tools and little effort to erect; (3) does not rely on moving amounts of sand or other material to weight down the apparatus; (4) is easily adjustable to allow for angling the umbrella shaft to compensate for movement of the sun; (5) can be used on a variety of surfaces and is not limited to use on sand; (6) can accept a variety of umbrella shaft sizes; (7) provides a flexible but firm table top surface area with beverage holders and an area for placing food and other items; (8) provides storage compartments for food, drink, ice, keys, electrical devices and other items; (9) is portable and light weight, such that it can be folded, stored and transported easily with the umbrella; and, (10) provides additional support to the upper portion or canopy of the umbrella in the case of higher than normal winds. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment, the umbrella anchoring system has a central tube or cylinder with an attached support frame system that folds and unfolds into a table with an accompanying table top system that includes beverage holders and storage compartments. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment, the table leg assemblies of the support frame system each include a sliding ground stake within, that extends and is able to penetrate various ground surfaces, such as sand, grass and soil sufficiently, such that the umbrella anchoring system is virtually locked to the ground without the necessity of adding sand or other material to it hold down, which makes it less likely to be tipped over by wind or other forces. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, the canopy tethering system, which is attached to the umbrella canopy, is adjustable. Specifically, the tether ground stake can be deployed when needed and stored in its ground stake receptacle, which may be attached to the canopy when not in use, such that the canopy tethering system does not need to be attached and detached with each use. 
         [0022]    Other objects, features, embodiments and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a front elevation of a first exemplary embodiment of an umbrella anchoring system, which shows an umbrella being supported thereby; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a view similar to  FIG. 1 , wherein the umbrella is being supported at an angle; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a support frame system used to support an umbrella, where the umbrella shaft is shown in phantom lines; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a top front perspective view of a table top system which may be used in conjunction with the support frame system; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a bottom front perspective view of a table top system of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a front elevation of the support frame system of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the support frame system showing an outline of the table top system in phantom lines; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a front elevation of the support frame system in an intermediate position (where the legs are partially deployed/partially stowed); 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a front elevation of the support frame system in a stowed (or transport) configuration; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 7 , which illustrates an umbrella shaft in two different positions in phantom lines; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  is a front elevation of the upper left corner of the support frame system shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 12A  is cross-sectional view taken along line  12 A- 12 A in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 12B  is a view similar to  FIG. 12A , where the table leg assembly has been removed to illustrate the seats used to hold the table leg assembly in place (in a deployed configuration) more clearly; 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  is a front elevation similar to  FIG. 11 , but with the table leg assembly in a stowed (or transport) configuration that corresponds to  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 14A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  14 A- 14 A in  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 14B  is a view similar to  FIG. 12B , where the table leg assembly has been removed to illustrate the seats used to hold the table leg assembly in place (in a stowed configuration) more clearly; 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  is a schematic view illustrating an angle cup and tether line for supporting the umbrella shaft at an angle; 
           [0040]      FIG. 16  is a front elevation of a second embodiment of a table leg assembly and a locking mechanism; 
           [0041]      FIG. 17  is left side elevation of the table leg assembly and locking mechanism shown in  FIG. 16 , wherein the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position; 
           [0042]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 19  is view similar to  FIG. 17 , wherein the locking mechanism is in a locked position; 
           [0044]      FIG. 20  is a view similar to  FIG. 18  wherein the locking mechanism is in a locked position; 
           [0045]      FIG. 21  is a front elevation of a third embodiment of a table leg assembly; 
           [0046]      FIG. 22  is an alternative stake structure, wherein the tip of the stake is cut at an angle instead of being frustoconical as shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 23  is a schematic rear elevation of a canopy tethering system attached to an umbrella canopy and umbrella shaft for an umbrella that is set at an angle; and, 
           [0048]      FIG. 24  is a schematic assembly view of a canopy tethering system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0049]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIG. 23 , the present invention is directed to a fully-deployed umbrella anchoring system  100  that, in one embodiment, includes a support frame system  110  for supporting a beach umbrella  120  having a center shaft  122  and a canopy  124 , a table top system  130 , and a canopy tethering system  140 . It should be understood that, in one embodiment, the umbrella anchoring system  100  can be comprised solely of a support frame system  110  without the table top system  130  or the canopy tethering system  140 . In one embodiment, the umbrella anchoring system  100  can be comprised solely of the canopy tethering system  140 . In one embodiment, the umbrella anchoring system  100  can be comprised of the support frame system  110  with the table top system  130 . 
         [0051]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an exemplary embodiment of an umbrella anchoring system  100  is comprised of a support frame system  110  and a table top system  130 . The umbrella anchoring system  100  is used to support an umbrella  120 . In  FIG. 1 , the umbrella center shaft  122  is substantially perpendicular to horizontal (representing the ground, e.g., sand) and the canopy  124  is substantially parallel to horizontal.  FIG. 2  is a view similar to  FIG. 1 ; however, in  FIG. 2  the umbrella  120  is being supported at an angle (i.e., the umbrella center shaft  122  is at an angle relative to horizontal, so as to compensate for the position of or movement of the sun). The manner of changing the angle of the umbrella  120  will be discussed in connection with other figures in this disclosure. 
         [0052]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the support frame system  110  used to support an umbrella  120 , where the umbrella center shaft  122  is shown in phantom lines. The support frame system  110  includes a hollow tube (center tube)  152  for receiving the umbrella center shaft  122 . The center tube  152  is attached to a frame network comprised of ribs  154  and stretchers  156  connected to the center tube  152  via a top hub  158  and runner hub  162  that forms the support for the table top system  130 . 
         [0053]    In one embodiment, the center tube  152  is approximately  14  to  18  inches in length and approximately two inches in diameter to receive an umbrella center shaft  122 . The diameter is such that it will accommodate a wide variety of beach umbrella center shafts. The bottom of the center tube has a solid plastic or metal collar (hub stopper)  164  that is stationary and will stop the runner hub  162  from advancing beyond the bottom of the center tube  152 . 
         [0054]    In one embodiment, there is an opening  166  along the top outside edge of the center tube  152  approximately three inches in length by one and a half inches wide. The purpose of this opening  166  (cutaway) is to permit the umbrella center shaft  122  to be set at an angle to allow for different positions of the umbrella, as depicted by the phantom lines in  FIG. 10 . It should be understood that the size of the opening  166  will, among other things, dictate the various angles that the umbrella center shaft  122  may be positioned. It is contemplated that there may be several angles at which the umbrella center shaft  122  may be positioned. 
         [0055]    With reference again to  FIG. 3 , the top hub  158  is round and hollow may be made of plastic or aluminum. There are four slots  168  (two are labeled in  FIG. 3 ) flush with the top hub  158  at 90degrees of each other. There are flanges  172  on either side of the slots  168  for attaching one end of each of the four ribs  154 . Of course, more or less than four ribs may be provided. 
         [0056]    The ribs  154  are attached to the hub flanges  172  with fasteners  174  (three are labeled in  FIG. 3 ) such as a bolt or rivet in a such a manner that they allow the ribs  154  to swivel out and away from the center tube  152  in a hinged manner that allows the ribs  154  to move up and away from the center tube  154  between a 90 degree angle from the center tube as in  FIG. 3 . The center opening of the top hub  158  is slightly larger than the circumference of the center tube  152 , so that it can fit over the center tube  152  and is secured by a rivet, bolt or glue (not shown). In one embodiment, the lower portion of the top hub  158  may include a cut away portion having the same width as the center tube opening  166  to accommodate various angles of the umbrella shaft to set the umbrella at various positions. 
         [0057]    In one embodiment, the ribs  154  and stretchers  156  are made of aluminum or other such material that is lightweight and strong. The ribs  154  are attached at the other end (away from the top hub  158 ) to a universal joint  176 , which serves to connect the rib  154  to the table leg assembly  178  and the stretcher  156  in a hinged fashion so that the support frame assembly  110  can be opened and closed (compare  FIG. 3  to  FIGS. 8 and 9 ). 
         [0058]    In one embodiment, the universal joint  50  is made of plastic, ABS, aluminum or other such materials that are lightweight and strong. It has an opening on one end (not labeled) to receive and attach to the rib  154 . All attachments to the universal joint  176  of the various parts of the support frame system  110  can be accomplished by, but not limited to, bolt, rivet or glue. 
         [0059]    There are two sets of flanges  182 ,  184  on the underside of the universal joint  176  for attaching the stretchers  156  and table leg assembly  178 , respectively. The universal joint flange  184  for the table leg assembly  178  has an indentation on the inner portion of the flanges  184  so that they lock or hold the table leg assembly  178  in place, when in open position and the table leg assembly  184  is extended at 90 degrees. 
         [0060]    The stretchers  156  are attached at the universal joint flange  182  just below the connection between the rib  154  and universal joint  176 , forming a hinge between the rib  154  and stretcher  156  through the universal joint  176 . The stretchers  156  are in turn attached at the other end to the runner hub  162 , which is similar in design to the top hub  158 , but it is larger in circumference to allow it to slide freely up and down the center tube  152 . The runner hub  162  has additional supports  186  (see  FIGS. 6, 8 and 9 ) under the flanges  188  to receive and support the extra force that is generated through the stretchers  156  when the support frame system  110  is in an open position. With reference to  FIGS. 3, 8 and 9 , when the runner hub  162  is moved up the center tube  152  to the point that it approaches the top hub  158  as shown in  FIG. 9 , the ribs  154  and stretchers  156  are pointing up and are parallel with the center tube  152  (and, if attached, the umbrella center shaft  122 ). This is considered the closed position and facilitates easy storage and transport. 
         [0061]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 6 , when the runner hub  162  is moved down the center tube  152  to the point that it meets and is stopped by the hub stopper  164 , the ribs  154  are held firmly at 90 degrees from the center tube  152  and form the support for the table top system  130 . With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the bottom of the runner hub  162  has an opening  192  to allow room for locking flange  194  of the hub stopper  164 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the purpose of the locking flange  194  is to support the locking knob  196  and attached bolt  198  for the purpose of securing the base of the umbrella center shaft  122  to the center tube  152 . Turning the knob  196  clockwise, causes the bolt  198  to penetrate into the shaft of the center tube  152  and apply pressure on the umbrella center shaft  122 , thereby preventing it from lifting out. 
         [0062]    With reference to  FIG. 7  (and also  FIGS. 4 and 5 ), when the support frame system is in an open position, the ribs  154  in conjunction with the universal joints  176 , stretch the flexible material of the table top system  130  (the perimeter of which is shown in phantom lines in  FIG. 7 ), such that it becomes taught and capable of supporting various items. 
         [0063]    With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the table top system  130  has a hole  202  in the center to allow the umbrella center shaft  122  to enter the center tube  152  of the support frame system  110 . The table top has beverage holders  204  and storage compartments  206  for holding beverages and storing various items. The storage compartments  206  have flaps  208  that can open and close via corresponding pull straps (not shown) that serve to cover the openings of each of the compartments. The interior of the storage compartments  206  can be made of various materials for purposes including, but not limited to, cooling or retaining heat. The tabletop system  130  is removable and may be attached to the frame with snap buttons attached to the universal joint  176  and tabletop system  130 . 
         [0064]    It should be understood that there several other ways of attaching the table top system  130  to the support frame system  110 . For example, at the outermost end of the universal joints  176 , a tension flange may be provided at a 90 degree angle for the purpose of stretching the table top taut when in open position. There is a hole on the outer, lower portion of the tension flange to accommodate an attachment point for a clasp, or snap button to secure the removable table top. 
         [0065]    Other methods of securing the tabletop system  130  include, but are not limited to Velcro strips sewn in to the tabletop system, with the opposite Velcro material attached to the universal joint  176 . The material of the table top is flexible and strong, such that in the closed (stowed/transport) position, it folds in tight to the center tube  152  for easy storage. 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIGS. 11, 12A, 12B, 13, 14A, and 14B , the table leg assembly  178  is attached to the frame network via the outermost flanges (second set of flanges)  184  of the universal joint  176  through two holes (not labeled) in the table leg assembly  178  with a bolt or rivet  212  forming a hinge allowing the table leg assembly  178  to swivel 90 degrees (compare  FIG. 11  to  FIG. 13 ). 
         [0067]    As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the table leg assembly  178  includes a table leg tube  214  that extends the length of the center tube  152  where it meets the ground surface (see also,  FIG. 3 ). Referring again to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the table leg tube  214  is round and hollow, so as to accommodate a moveable ground stake  216  within it. There is a channel  218  that starts near the top of the table leg tube  214  and runs down the length of the table leg tube  214 . The channel  218  is wide enough to accommodate the sliding motion of the ground stake handle  222  within it, as well as an approximately 45 degree rotation of the ground stake  216  to facilitate ground penetration. There is a table leg foot cap  224  attached to the bottom of the table leg tube  214  to prevent the table leg tube  214  from penetrating further in to the sand or ground surface. 
         [0068]    In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 21 , there is an angled tube  226  attached on the outside of the table leg foot cap  224  with a hole (not labeled) large enough to receive an additional ground stake  228 . In one embodiment, the hole is angled at 45 degrees for the purpose securing an additional ground stake  228  for additional support in the case of a looser than normal ground surface. In one embodiment, there is a circular channel (not shown) on the upper surface of the table leg foot cap  224  to receive the table leg tube where it is glued in place. 
         [0069]    Other embodiments of the table leg tube  214  and the table leg foot cap  224  are possible. For example,  FIG. 3  illustrates a table leg tube  214 , which does not accommodate a moveable ground stake  216  within it. Rather, each table leg foot cap  224  includes an angle tube  226  to receive a ground stake  228  therein (refer to  FIG. 21 , which shows a similar table leg foot cap  224 ). 
         [0070]    Referring again to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , within the table leg tube  214  is a sliding ground stake  216  that can be moved manually and independently up and down the length of the channel  218  of the table leg tube  214  to the extent that the channel  218  in the table leg tube  214  permits. Referring to  FIG. 16 , the bottom end of the ground stake  216  is pointed for easy insertion into the ground surface and is frustoconical in shape. In another embodiment, which is shown in  FIG. 22 , the bottom end of the ground stake  216  is pointed and beveled for the purpose of boring into harder ground. This embodiment may be used with both or either of the moveable ground stake  216  and the additional ground stake  228 . 
         [0071]    The top end has a handle  222  to allow the operator to push the ground stake  216  into the ground (along with removing the stake  216  from the ground). The handle  222  will be formed by a bend in the ground stake  216 , so that the handle is generally perpendicular to the main shaft of the ground stake  216 . In one embodiment, the ground stakes are made of steel or similar material allowing them to be of a smaller diameter than typical plastic tent pegs, which permits them to easily penetrate the ground surface. The ground stakes are pushed into the ground surface by hand or in some cases by some other force (e.g., a hammer). The ground stake handle  222  can be rotated 45 degrees to facilitate insertion into the ground and can be rotated out of the way once desired penetration is reached, so that they are tucked under the table top system  130 . 
         [0072]    Referring to  FIGS. 16-20 , there is a locking mechanism  234  to secure the table leg tube  214  to the ground stake  216 , so as to firmly anchor the support frame system  110  to the ground. The locking mechanism  234  allows for varying depths of penetration of the ground stake  216  into the ground. The locking mechanism assembly  234  includes a table leg collar  236  that accommodates the ground stake  216  and fits around the table leg tube  214 . There is a ground stake collar  238  to secure the ground stake  216  to the locking mechanism  234 , as well as secure the ground stake  216  inside the table leg tube  214 . A collar block  242  fits loosely inside a collar block channel  244 , and between the collar block channel  242  and the outside of the table leg tube  214 . A cam lever  246  is attached to the table leg collar  236  at a leg collar opening (not numbered) by means of bolt or rivet (not numbered), where it applies increasing and decreasing pressure against the collar block  242  when pivoted up and down. 
         [0073]    The locking mechanism  234  and ground stake  216  can move freely up and down the table leg tube  214  and rotate 45 degrees such that the channel  218  in the table leg tube  214  permits. When the ground stake  216  is pressed down, the pointed end penetrates the ground surface. When the cam lever  246  is pressed down, it applies pressure on the collar block  242  which pulls the ground stake collar  238  closer to the collar block  242 , thereby squeezing the wall of the table leg tube  214  between the two. This causes the locking mechanism  234  and ground stake  216  to hold secure in place to the table leg tube  214 , thereby locking it in place and firmly securing the entire apparatus to the ground. 
         [0074]    When all four ground stakes  216  are secure in the ground surface and the table leg tubes  214  are locked to the ground stakes, the umbrella anchoring system  100  (support frame system  110 ) is then firmly and securely fastened to the ground. The umbrella center shaft  122  is also firmly attached to the center tube  152 . The downward force of the ground stake  216  on the table leg tube  214  applies force downward on the end of the ribs  154  which creates a downward force on the stretchers  156  which is directed to the base of the center tube  152  where the runner hub  162  meets the hub stopper  164 . The downward pull on the ribs  154  also applies an outward force at four points on the top hub  158 , where the ribs are attached at 90 degree intervals, and which firmly secures and stabilizes the top of the center tube  152 . All of these factors combine to create a very secure and solid center tube  152  for receiving and stabilizing the shaft of an umbrella  122 . This creates a second anchoring point for the umbrella shaft  122  where the umbrella shaft passes through the center of the top hub  158 , through the center tube  152  and through to the ground surface (first anchor point). This increases the stability of the umbrella exponentially over standard methods, as the center tube  152  is made of a strong material and does not rely on the density or weight of the surface material for the support of the umbrella shaft. 
         [0075]    The umbrella shaft  122  can be secured on an angle by placing the umbrella shaft  122  through the opening in the center tube  166  (or, alternatively, through an opening in top hub  158  or a combination of the top hub  158  and opening in the center tube  166 ) at an angle and not down the main shaft of the center tube  152  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 10 . The base of the umbrella shaft is secured in the angle cup  252 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . The angle cup  252  is attached to the runner hub  162  by a tether line  254 . Specifically, the tether line  254  is attached to a flange  256  on the runner hub  162  and also attached to a flange  258  on the angle cup  252 . This prevents the angle cup  258  from moving out and away from the center tube  152 , thereby securing the base of the umbrella shaft  122 . The angle cup  252  includes a hollow tube  262  to allow connection of an additional ground stake  228  in the case that extra support is needed for the angled umbrella shaft  122 . The umbrella shaft  122  is also supported at a second juncture, where it passes through the top hub  158  (in one embodiment), thereby holding the umbrella securely in place at an angle. In one embodiment, the tether line  254  may be adjusted to change the distance between the runner hub  162  and the angle cup  252 . For example, one or both of the apertures through which the tether line  254  attaches to the flanges  256 ,  258  may have a teardrop shape, so that the tether line  254  may be moved therein and then locked into the narrow portion of the teardrop shape to set an appropriate distance between the runner hub  162  and the angle cup  252  based on the desired angle of the umbrella. 
         [0076]    A canopy tethering system  140  is shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 . The canopy tethering system  140  is designed to fasten the upper portion of the umbrella shaft  122  and umbrella canopy  124  to the sand or ground surface in the case of higher than normal winds. The canopy tethering system  140  includes a strap  264  (which may be adjustable) that attaches to the umbrella center shaft  122 , a ground stake receptacle  266  that attaches to the strap  264  and holds the ground stake  268  when not in use, a high tension string  272  that attaches to the ground stake receptacle  266 , and a ground stake  268  that attaches to the high tension string  272 . The adjustable strap  264  has a loop  274  on one end for the purpose of attaching the canopy tethering system  140  to the umbrella shaft  122  by placing the looped end  274  of the adjustable strap around the umbrella shaft  122  and feeding the canopy tethering system  140  through the loop  274  and pulling, thereby tightening the loop  274  around the umbrella shaft  122 . Additional methods for attaching the canopy tethering system  140  to the umbrella shaft  122  are anticipated including, but not limited to, Velcro straps, buckles or locking clasps. 
         [0077]    In one embodiment, the adjustable strap  264  is directed through a ring attached to the ground stake receptacle and attached to an adjustable strap buckle which is in turn attached to the adjustable strap, thereby forming a loop. The adjustable strap buckle can be moved forward and back, thereby lengthening and shortening the adjustable strap. 
         [0078]    The ground stake receptacle  266  serves to house the ground spike  268  when not in use and forms a secure connection between the adjustable strap  264  and the high tension string  272 . The ground spike receptacle  266  has a ring  276  on each end connected by a strap  278  looped around each ring  276 . Attached along the length of the strap  278  is connected a bag (ground stake receptacle  266 ) made of canvas, polyester or other such material that is flexible and strong, big enough to house the ground stake  268  and high tension string  272 . The ground stake receptacle  266  is closed on the end where it is attached to the adjustable strap  264  and is open at the end attached to the high tension string  272 . In one embodiment, the open end will have a snap button (not shown) attached for the purpose of closing the ground stake receptacle  266 , so as to secure the ground stake  268 . Two carabiner clips  282  are attached to the ground stake receptacle  266  for the purpose of securing the ground stake receptacle  266  to the canopy ribs  284  of the umbrella  120  between the juncture of the umbrella ribs and stretchers and the outermost edge of the umbrella canopy  124 . 
         [0079]    To deploy the canopy tethering system  140 , the ground stake  268  is taken from the ground stake receptacle  266  and extended to the ground surface, where the ground stake  268  is pushed into the ground surface to a suitable depth, such that it is able to withstand tension from the attached high tension string  272 . The high tension string  272  extends from the ground stake  268  and is attached to the ring  276  on the ground stake receptacle  266 . The ground spike receptacle  266  is attached to the umbrella canopy ribs  284  and is also secured to the umbrella shaft  122  through its connection to the adjustable strap  264 . This serves to anchor the umbrella shaft  122 , restricting its movement in the direction that the wind is blowing and serves to anchor the umbrella canopy at the point where the ground spike receptacle  266  is attached, preventing it from buckling in the same direction of the wind. When not deployed, the high tension string  272  is wrapped around the ground stake  268  and placed in the ground stake receptacle  266  for storage. 
         [0080]    When deployed, as shown in  FIG. 23 , the canopy tethering system  140  creates a third anchor point at the upper end of the umbrella at the junction of the adjustable strap loop  274  and the umbrella shaft  122 , as well as the junction of the canopy ribs  284  and the Carabiner clips  282 , significantly increasing the stability of the umbrella. 
         [0081]    It should be understood that any male components (e.g., male connectors) may be substituted for female components (e.g., female connectors). 
         [0082]    Several embodiments of the invention have been described. It should be understood that the concepts described in connection with one embodiment of the invention may be combined with the concepts described in connection with another embodiment (or other embodiments) of the invention. 
         [0083]    While an effort has been made to describe some alternatives to the preferred embodiment, other alternatives will readily come to mind to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not intended to be limited to the details given herein.