Patent Publication Number: US-10772413-B1

Title: Recreational utility support

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to recreational utility apparatus. More specifically, this disclosure relates to utility supports. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It can be desirable to have outdoor gatherings at parks, beaches, forests, or other outdoor locations. In many such gatherings, it can be advantageous to elevate items above the ground, which may be sand, dirt, mud, gravel, or otherwise undesirable materials for certain belongings. However, many of these locations can be inaccessible, and the desire to elevate personal items may come in conflict with the ability to move an elevating apparatus to the desired location. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is to explain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as an introduction to the following complete and extensive detailed description. 
     A support utility includes a base comprising a drilling portion connected to a central portion and to a flange portion, the central portion defining a central bore; at least one elevating implement connected to the base; and, at least one utility implement connected to at least one elevating implement. 
     A method of using a support utility with ground includes obtaining a support utility, the support utility comprising a base comprising a drilling portion connected to a central portion and to a flange portion, the flange portion comprising a first end and a second end, each end defining a half-notch, the central portion defining a central bore; a plurality of elevating implements, at least one elevating implement connected to the base within the central bore and at least one end of one elevating implement connected to at least one end of at least one other elevating implement by a spring; and, at least one utility implement connected to at least one elevating implement, wherein each half-notch is sized to accept and to retain at least one elevating implement; engaging the drilling portion in contact with the ground such that at least part of the central portion contacts the ground; and arranging the elevating implements end-to-end such that at least a portion of one elevating implement overlaps at least a portion of at least one other elevating implement. Various implementations described in the present disclosure may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may not necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a support utility in accord with one aspect of the current disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a base for use in the support utility of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a utility implement for use in the support utility of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a first subassembly of the support utility of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a second subassembly of the support utility of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a cap for use in the support utility of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternative aspect of a utility implement for use in the support utility of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of an alternative aspect of a utility implement for use in the support utility of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8B  is a top view of the utility implement of  FIG. 8A  as attached to the support utility of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative aspect of a utility implement for use in the support utility of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10A  is a side cross-sectional view of a stand for use with the support utility of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10B  is a side cross-sectional view of the stand of  FIG. 10A  without the support utility. 
         FIG. 10C  is a top view of the stand of  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional view of one aspect of an indicator apparatus implemented into one aspect of the support utility of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of an elevating implement arranged for use with the indicator apparatus of  FIG. 11A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and the previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. 
     The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof. 
     As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise. 
     Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. 
     For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances. 
     As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. 
     The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect. 
     Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the disclosed methods. 
     Disclosed is a recreational support utility and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed support is described in but a few exemplary embodiments among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom. 
     In one aspect of the current disclosure, a support assembly  1000  is disclosed and described with reference to  FIG. 1 . The support assembly  1000  can define a recreational support utility in accord with one aspect of the current disclosure. In various aspects, various constructions and arrangements of parts can be utilized, and no particular arrangement or construction should be considered limiting on the scope of the current disclosure. Although described as an assembly, the various parts of the current disclosure can be integrally formed without departing from the scope and purpose of the current disclosure. In the current aspect, the support assembly  1000  can comprise a lower or first subassembly  1001  and an upper or second subassembly  1002  connected to each other. The support assembly  1000  can comprise a plurality of elevating implements  1010   a ,  1010   b  and a plurality of utility implements  1110   a ,  1110   b ,  1110   c . In various aspects, each elevating implement  1010   a ,  1010   b  can be separate and multiple parts, can be joined of multiple parts, or can be integrated. In the current aspect, each elevating implement  1010  can be a straight, hollow pole formed of metal, various plastics, wood, ceramic, or composite materials among others, including those described elsewhere in this disclosure for various parts. In the current aspect, the elevating implement  1010   a  can comprise a part of the first subassembly  1001  and the elevating implement  1010   b  can comprise a part of the second subassembly  1002 . In various aspects the elevating implements can be various shapes, sizes, and constructions, including injection molded, solid, one-piece, multiple-piece, or various other constructions known in the art. In various aspects, the elevating implements can be curved, can be formed of multiple pieces, and/or can comprise tension elements. In various aspects, the utility implements  1110  can comprise various shapes, constructions, materials, and arrangements to achieve a desired function or to address desires of the support assembly  1000 . Additional arrangements and constructions will be described in additional detail later in this disclosure. The support assembly  1000  of the current disclosure can comprise an anchor or base  1210 . In the current aspect, the base  1210  can comprise features designed to anchor the support assembly  1000  within various conditions of turf, ground, sand, or various other surfaces or ground conditions as desired by a user. The support assembly  1000  of the current aspect can also comprise a cap  1310 . The support assembly  1000  can also include additional attachments, such as an indicator apparatus, which in certain aspects can comprise a flag  1410 . The arrangements of the various parts in the current aspect will be described in greater detail below. 
     A view of the base  1210  can be seen with reference to  FIG. 2 . The base  1210  can comprise a central portion  1212 , a drilling portion  1214 , and a flange portion  1216 . In the current aspect, the central portion  1212  can be cylindrical, the drilling portion  1214  can be conical in shape, and the flange portion  1216  can serve as a rim or edge to prevent unnecessary seating of the base  1210  when using the support assembly  1000 . In the current aspect, the central portion  1212  can be located to provide a portion between the drilling portion  1214  and the flange portion  1216  so that the base  1210  can be properly anchored to the ground. Without the central portion  1212 , the base  1210  could potentially not be dug deep enough into the ground when in use, or, in various applications, the central portion  1212  can provide a wall for dirt, sand, or other surface material to be anchored against. 
     A drilling flange  1222  can be located proximate to the drilling portion  1214 . The drilling flange  1222  can be helical in shape and can be arranged to provide a drilling force on the base  1210  when the base  1210  is rotated. The drilling flange  1222  can be of a rectangular cross-section protruding helically from a side wall of the drilling portion  1214  in the current aspect. The drilling portion  1214  can terminate on one end proximate a tip end  1218  of the base  1210  and on the other end proximate the joint between the drilling portion  1214  and the central portion  1212 . In the current aspect, the drilling flange  1222  can define a width that is wider than a diameter of the central portion  1212  such that the drilling action of the drilling portion  1214  can create a space in the ground larger than the central portion  1212 , allowing the central portion  1212  to pass through the created space without needing additional leverage or screwing. In various aspects, the drilling flange  1222  can be pointed, textured, or angled with a different cross section than rectangular, including triangular, curved, or otherwise having an edge. In the current aspect, the shape of the drilling flange  1222  can be selected to accommodate the strength requirements necessary of the material chosen to form the base  1210 . For example, in some aspects, the base  1210  can be made of injection-molded plastic such as ABS, Nylon, PC, PC/ABS, or PE plastics. In these cases, it can be advantageous to make the drilling flange  1222  of a relatively large width to provide added strength. In other aspects, the base  1210  can be formed of metal, composite, or other stronger materials, and, as such, different drilling flange  1222  shapes can be achieved without detracting from the strength of the design. In various aspects, the base  1210  can be of a hybrid of materials; for example, certain portions such as the drilling portion  1214  can be formed of injection-molded materials while the drilling flange  1222  can be formed of metal. Variations and combinations of the elements disclosed herein would be understood by one of skill in the art to be included within this disclosure. 
     A central bore  1230  can be defined within the central portion  1212 . The central portion  1212  can be arranged for coupling of the elevating implement  1010   a . A pinning bore  1232  can be defined in a side wall of the central portion  1212  to provide mechanical communication to the central bore  1230 . The pinning bore  1232  can also comprise a countersink  1234 . 
     The flange portion  1216  can comprise a first end  1242  and a second end  1244 . The first end  1242  can define a half-notch  1246  and the second end  1244  can define a half-notch  1248 . Each half-notch  1246 ,  1248  can be shaped to accept one of the elevating implements  1010   b , for example, to allow the support assembly  1000  to be folded for ease of portability and storage. In the current aspect, each half-notch  1246 , 1248  can comprise a portion being about circular to accommodate the circular cross-section of the elevating implement  1010   b , although in various aspects various shapes or mechanisms can be chose. The first end  1242  and the second end  1244  can also define a first capture ledge  1243  and a second capture ledge  1245 , respectively. Each capture ledge  1243 , 1245  can be sized to capture the elevating implement  1010   b  first by allowing the elevating implement to pass through between the first end  1242  and the second end  1244  by elastic deformation of the capture ledges  1243 ,  1245  and second by holding the elevating implement  1010   b  securely behind the capture ledges  1243 ,  1245  until a user removes the elevating implement  1010   b , usually by elastic deformation of the capture ledges  1243 ,  1245 . In various aspects, one of skill in the art would understand that various securing mechanisms can be utilized to allow collapsing and storing of the support assembly  1000  without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The half-notches  1246 ,  1248  and the capture ledges  1243 ,  1245  together can define a capture system. One of skill in the art would understand that systems to capture the elevating implement  1010   b  and to allow portability of the support assembly  1000  can comprise multiple different approaches that are known in the art, and no single implementation of a capture system should be considered limiting on the scope of the current disclosure. 
     In the current aspect, the first end  1242  can be arranged in physical space at a lower location than the second end  1244 . The arrangement can allow some anchoring of the flange portion  1216  into ground if desired by the user. The flange portion  1216  can be arranged in a helical arrangement around the central portion  1212  with about constant cross-sectional shape. In the current aspect, the flange portion  1216  can have a rectangular cross section, the cross-section having a width in a radial dimension substantially greater than a thickness in the vertical direction. As such, the flange portion  1216  can provide a lightweight but effective barrier against over-seating—or, in other words, digging too deep—of the base  1210 . In various aspects, the flange portion  1216  can be a disc. In such aspects, the flange portion  1216  can be prevented from screwing into ground by its arrangement. 
     One example of the utility implement  1110  in accord with one aspect of the current disclosure can be seen with reference to  FIG. 3 . The utility implement  1110  in the current aspect can address one of many different possible functions. One of skill in the art would understand that the specific implementation of the utility implement  1110  shown and described is not intended to be limiting on the scope of the current disclosure. 
     The utility implement  1110  can comprise a central portion  1112  generally arranged for coupling to at least one of the elevating implements  1010 . In the current aspect, the central portion  1112  can be cylindrical in shape and can define a central bore  1130  for acceptance of one elevating implement  1010 , which in the current aspect can be a bar or rod of circular cross-section. A pinning bore  1132  can be defined in a side wall of the central portion  1112  to provide mechanical communication to the central bore  1130 . The pinning bore  1132  can also comprise a countersink  1134 . The utility implement  1110  can comprise a plurality of utility arms  1152   a ,  1152   b  extending from the central portion  1112 . In various aspects, the number of utility arms  1152  can be variant; in some aspects, one utility arm  1152  can be utilized, while in various aspects three, four, five, six, or more utility arms  1152  can be utilized without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In the current aspect, each utility arm  1152   a ,  1152   b  can be arranged at an angle with respect to the central portion  1112  such that each utility arm  1152   a ,  1152   b  can be generally described as tilting upwards. As such, each utility arm  1152   a ,  1152   b  can define a hook shape to allow items or objects to hang. 
     Each utility arm  1152   a ,  1152   b  can define a shoulder  1154   a ,  1154   b  that can define a lowest contact point of the hook shape. In various aspects, the shoulder  1154   a ,  1154   b  can be tasked with holding the bulk of load applied to each utility arm  1152   a ,  1152   b . In various aspects, the shoulder  1154   a ,  1154   b  can also define a location of highest stress and strain concentration and/or a location of highest mechanical moment, depending on the application, and, as such, can, in some aspects, define a point of needed strength for the support assembly  1000 . In the current aspect, each utility arm  1152   a ,  1152   b  can define an end  1156   a ,  1156   b  that can define the termination of the utility arm  1152   a ,  1152   b  in space. In the current aspect, each utility arm  1152   a ,  1152   b  can be arranged extending upwardly at about a 45° angle with respect to the central portion  1112 . In various aspects, sharper or wider angles can be more desirable, depending on the application. For example, in certain applications—such as when the weight supported is expected to be high—a narrower angle can be useful between the central portion and the utility arms  1152 , such as 30°. In other applications—such as when the items supported are expected to be especially large but not particularly heavy—a wider angle can be useful between the central portion and the utility arms  1152 , such as 60°. In various aspects, other shapes of utility arms  1152  can be utilized, including bends, curves, elbows, and forks. In various aspects, multiple styles of utility arms  1152  can be utilized in the same design. In the current aspect, each utility arm  1152  can be generally cylindrical in shape. 
     In the current aspect, each utility implement  1110  can be injection-molded plastic such as ABS, Nylon, PC, PC/ABS, or PE plastics, among others. In various aspects, utility implements  1110  can be other types of plastics, various metals, ceramics, wood, or other materials described elsewhere in this disclosure for the various parts described herein. 
     The first or lower subassembly  1001  can be seen with reference to  FIG. 4 . As can be seen, the base  1210  can be combined with the elevating implement  1010   a  and at least one utility implement  1110 . The base  1210  and the utility implement  1110  can be affixed or adhered to the elevating implement  1010   a  using adhesives, key/fit arrangements, threading, or various other securing mechanisms as known in the art. In the current aspect, the base  1210  and the utility implement  1110  can be connected to the elevating implement  1010   a , using a pin arrangement. A pin (not shown) can be inserted through each of the pinning bore  1132  and the pinning bore  1232  and through a crossing bore defined in the elevating implement  1010   a . By pinning through the elevating implement  1010   a , each of the utility implement  1110  and the base  1210  can become securely fastened to the elevating implement  1010   a . In practice, the pin (not shown) can be a rivet, a screw, a bolt and nut combination, or various other mechanisms of affixing the elevating implement  1010   a  in space with reference to each of the base  1210  and each utility implement  1110 . 
     The second or upper subassembly  1002  can be seen with reference to  FIG. 5 . As can be seen, the elevating implement  1010   b  can be similar in size and shape to the elevating implement  1010   a . However, in the current aspect, the elevating implement  1010   b  can comprise a nesting region  1062  that can define one end of the elevating implement  1010   b . In the current aspect, the nesting region  1062  can comprise an outer wall diameter that is smaller than an inner wall diameter of the elevating implement  1010   a . As such, the nesting region  1062  can be inserted into the elevating implement  1010   a  to provide a joint between the first subassembly  1001  and the second subassembly  1002 . As can be seen, the nesting region  1062  can define a tapered end  1064  of the elevating implement  1010   b , which can help with insertion of the nesting region  1062  into the elevating implement  1010   a.    
     Additionally, the nesting region  1062  can be defined from the remaining portions of the elevating implement  1010   b  such that the nesting region  1062  can be formed integrally with or attached to the remainder of the elevating implement  1010   b . As seen in the current aspect, the remainder of the elevating implement  1010   b  can have a profile similar to the elevating implement  1010   a  such that the two elevating implements  1010   a ,  1010   b  substantially match each other. In various aspects, the elevating implement  1010   b  can have a diameter similar to the elevating implement  1010   a . Therefore, the nesting region  1062  can be defined inwardly from the elevating implement  1010   b , as can be seen. The nesting region  1062  can thereby define a nesting shoulder  1066  that can serve as a transitional region between the nesting region  1062  and the remainder of the elevating implement  1010   b . In various aspects, similar functioning can be achieved by defining the nesting region  1062  of a greater inner diameter than the outer diameter of the elevating implement  1010   a  such that the nesting region  1062  can secure to an outside of the elevating implement  1010   a.    
     In various aspects, various fasteners such as screws, threading, key/fit arrangements, or various other mechanical fasteners known in the art can be employed to connect the elevating implements  1010   a ,  1010   b  together. In the current aspect, the elevating implement  1010   a  can be connected to the elevating implement  1010   b  by an internal spring. In various aspects, the internal spring can be a helical spring, a bungee cord, a leaf spring, or various other recoil apparatus as would be known to one of skill in the art. In the current aspect, the internal spring can bias the two subassemblies  1001 ,  1002  into connection with one another. The subassemblies  1001 ,  1002  can be collapsed by a user overcoming the spring force to separate the elevating implement  1010   a  from the elevating implement  1010   b  such that the nesting region  1062  can be removed from the end of the elevating implement  1010   a . Although the subassemblies  1001 ,  1002  can remain connected, the support assembly  1000  can be collapsed for easy of carrying and storage. 
     As can be seen with returning reference to  FIG. 1 , the cap  1310  can be provided above the elevating implement  1010 —in the current aspect, specifically above the elevating implement  1010   b —to provide a cover to the elevating implement  1010  and to prevent debris and other materials from becoming introduced into the center of the elevating implement  1010  when it is hollow. The cap  1310  can be seen in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 6 . The cap  1310  can be made of rubber, plastic, or various other materials. The cap  1310  can comprise a body  1312  that can be sized to be inserted into the elevating implement  1010 . The cap  1310  can comprise a head  1314  that can extend above the elevating implement  1010  to provide the cover and to provide a stop at the end of the elevating implement  1010 . The head  1314  can define a bore  1316  in various aspects. In various aspects, the bore  1316  can be used for additional attachment of further apparatus, such as the flag  1410 , or various other indicator as one might utilize, including lights, screens, or other connections. In various aspects, the flag  1410  can be various colors, shapes, and sizes or can include various indicia, such as sporting team logos, collegiate logos, or various other identifiers. The flag  1410  can be especially useful for identifying groups within crowded locations. For example, at a party location or at a crowded beach, a group can identify using specific color combination that can make members of the party easier to find. Other examples of further apparatus that can be utilized in place of the flag  1410  can include an umbrella for sun or rain protection, a tent pole or support, or a hook for elevated storage, among others. In various aspects, the bore  1316  can be threaded or otherwise mechanically arranged to accept or to couple to the apparatus (such as the flag  1410 ). The additional apparatus (such as flag  1410 ) can also be threaded, pinned, or otherwise mechanically arranged to couple to the bore  1316 . 
     Another aspect of a utility implement  2110  can be seen with reference to  FIG. 7 . The utility implement  2110  can comprise a central portion  2112  generally arranged for coupling to at least one of the elevating implements  1010  similar to the coupling of utility implement  1110 . In the current aspect, the central portion  2112  can be cylindrical in shape and can define a central bore  2130  for acceptance of one elevating implement  1010 , which in the current aspect can be a bar or rod of circular cross-section. A pinning bore  2132  can be defined in a side wall of the central portion  2112  to provide mechanical communication to the central bore  2130 . The pinning bore  2132  can also comprise a countersink  2134 . The utility implement  2110  can comprise a plurality of utility arms  2152   a ,  2152   b  extending from the central portion  2112 . In various aspects, the number of utility arms  2152  can be variant; in some aspects, one utility arm  2152  can be utilized, while in various aspects three, four, five, six, or more utility arms  2152  can be utilized without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     In the current aspect, each utility arm  2152   a ,  2152   b  can be arranged at an angle with respect to the central portion  2112  such that each utility arm  2152   a ,  2152   b  can be generally described as tilting upwards. As such, each utility arm  2152   a ,  2152   b  can define a hook shape to allow items or objects to hang. In the current aspect, each utility arm  2152   a ,  2152   b  can define an end  2156   a ,  2156   b  that can define the termination of the utility arm  2152   a ,  2152   b  in space. In the current aspect, each utility arm  2152   a ,  2152   b  can be arranged extending upwardly at about a 45° angle with respect to the central portion  2112 . Each end  2156   a ,  2156   b  can be provide a slight upward tilt to emphasize the hook shape of the utility arm  2152   a ,  2152   b . In various aspects, sharper or wider angles can be more desirable, depending on application. For example, in certain applications—such as when the weight supported is expected to be high—a narrower angle can be useful between the central portion and the utility arms  2152 , such as 30°. In other applications—such as when the items supported are expected to be especially large but not particularly heavy—a wider angle can be useful between the central portion and the utility arms  2152 , such as 60°. In various aspects, other shapes of utility arms  2152  can be utilized, including bends, curves, elbows, and forks. In various aspects, multiple styles of utility arms  2152  can be utilized in the same design. In the current aspect, each utility arm  2152  can be substantially hollow in shape and can be substantially outlined. Each utility arm  2152  can be substantially branch-shaped, having little material in the center and increasing material along the ends to bolster strength and surface area. In the current aspect, each utility implement  2110  can be injection-molded plastic such as ABS, Nylon, PC, PC/ABS, or PE plastics, among others. In various aspects, utility implements  2110  can be other types of plastics, various metals, ceramics, wood, or other materials described elsewhere in this disclosure for the various parts described herein. 
     Another aspect of a utility implement  3110  can be seen with reference to  FIG. 8A-8B . In the current aspect, the utility implement  3110  can be of the snap-on or slip-on variety. In various aspects, the utility implement  3110  can interact with the elevating implement  1010  by friction. In various aspects, the utility implement  3110  can connect to the elevating implement  1010  using notches or various mechanical interactions. The utility implement  3110  can comprise a body sleeve portion  3112  for attachment to the elevating implement  1010  and a utility portion  3114  connected to or integral with the body sleeve portion  3112 . The body sleeve portion  3112  can be of a ductile but strong material such that the body sleeve portion  3112  can be elastically deformed around the elevating implement  1010  and can be attached to the elevating implement  1010  by snapping on or otherwise fitting over the elevating implement  1010 . The utility portion  3114  can comprise a variety of useful arrangements, including those already disclosed herein. In the currently displayed aspect, the utility portion  3114  can comprise a ring, such as a cup holder, umbrella holder, or a place for a support to be anchored or inserted. In various aspects, various shapes can be included as disclosed herein. As seen with reference to  FIG. 9 , in various aspects, a varied utility portion  3114 ′ can comprise a shelf or pocket such that objects can be placed on or attached to the utility portion  3114 ′. Such utility portion  3114 ′ can be useful for storing items that need constant access, such as a mobile phone. In various aspects, the shelf of utility portion  3114 ′ can be arranged perpendicularly to the sleeve portion  3112  such as to remain about flat when assembled. In various aspects, rubber or other gripping surface application can be applied to the surface of the utility portion  3114 ′ to prevent sliding of items placed thereon. 
     As seen with reference to  FIGS. 10A-10C , a stand  2200  can be utilized with the support utility  1000  to allow use of the support utility  1000  in ground conditions that are not anchorable or not easily penetrable, including concrete, stone, ice, hardpan, indoors, or other conditions that would be unlikely to allow the support utility  1000  to be anchored successfully. In various aspects, the stand  2200  can comprise a stand body  2210  that can be formed of various materials, including molded plastic, wood, sheet metal, composite, foam, or various other board or materials as are known in the art. In various aspects, the stand body  2210  can be hollow, such as from forming by blow-molded plastic or by forming from fiberboard or other wood board structure. In various aspects, the stand body  2210  can be solid, such as from forming by injection molded plastic or by foam. In various aspects, the stand body  2210  can be partially hollow. In cases where the stand body  2210  is hollow, the stand body  2210  can define an access port  2215  that can be included to provide access to the inside of the stand body  2210 . An access port cap  2220  can be included to cover the access port  2215 . The access port cap  2220  can be a snap-on, screw-on, bolt-on, or various other mechanical arrangements known in the art that can provide access to the interior of the stand body  2210 . When the stand body  2210  is hollow, it can be of advantage to fill the stand body  2210  with a heavy material such as fluid (water), fluid-like materials (sand, gravel) or solid (rocks, wood), among others, to provide mass to stabilize the interaction of the support utility  1000  with the stand  2200 . The access port  2215  can allow the stand body  2210  to be filled as desired. In various aspects, the stand body  2210  can comprise a drain port (not shown) to allow draining of fluid material or fluid-like material as needed. 
     In various aspects, the benefits of adding weight to the stand body  2210  can be obviated by a wide footprint. As can be seen, the stand body  2210  can comprise a bottom  2231 , a top  2232  that can be of a smaller footprint than the bottom  2231 , and four sides  2236 ,  2237 ,  2238 ,  2239 . In the current aspect, the sides  2238 , 2239  can be angled such that the bottom  2231  can have a smaller footprint than the top  2232  and such that the cross-sectional view of the stand  2200  can be of a trapezoid. In the current aspect, each side is rectangular, although in various aspects, advantages can be achieved through use of a square bottom  2231 . Although one shape of stand body  2210  can be seen, it would be understood by one of skill in the art that the shape shown is not limiting on the scope of the disclosure, and various shapes and sizes of stand bodies can be utilized successfully within the scope of the current disclosure. 
     The stand body  2210  can define a port  2250  defined in the top  2232 . The port  2250  can be sized and shaped to accommodate the base  1210 . The port  2250  can define an inner surface  2251  that in various aspects can be threaded, roughened, or can comprise a gripping material (such as rubber, foam, or Velcro) to prevent unintentional removal of the support utility  1000  from the stand  2200 . In various aspects, various ledges and threading interactions can be defined along the port  2250  to capture the base  1210  and to secure the support utility therein. 
     In various aspects, the stand  2200  can be integral with or connected to the elevating implement  1010  such as to omit or to integrate with the base  1210 . In various aspects, the stand  2200  can be a casting or molding of metal with substantial weight to provide ballast for the support utility  1000 . 
     Additional mechanisms for indicator apparatus can be utilized within the scope of the current disclosure. With reference to  FIGS. 11A-11B , an indicator apparatus or flag implement  4410  to hold a flag can be attached to a modified elevating implement  1010 ′. In the current aspect, the flag implement  4410  can comprise a flag holding end  4412  and a rotation end  4414 , wherein the rotation end can be arranged to rotate within a channel along a pin  4416 . The pin  4416  can be attached fixedly or removably to the elevating implement  1010 ′. The flag implement  4410  can be arranged such that the flag holding end  4412  can be about flush with an exterior of the elevating implement  1010 ′ in a closed or collapsed arrangement and can extend perpendicularly to the elevating implement  1010 ′ when in an opened or extended arrangement. As seen with specific reference to  FIG. 11B , the pin  4416  (not shown in  FIG. 11B ) can connected within a pair of fastener holes  4418   a,b  defined in the elevating implement  1010 ′. As such, when connected, the pin  4416  can suspend the flag implement  4410 . Support channels  4422   a,b  can be defined in sides of the elevating implement  1010 ′ to interact with the flag implement  4410 . 
     One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular embodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. 
     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.