PORTABLE UPRIGHT STAND

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a stand for attaching upright structures such as umbrellas, shade poles, lights, fishing rods, tables, flags, barrier poles or any other upright structure to inflatable platforms, walkways, pontoons or other objects

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

In the field of this invention it is known that floatable inflatable platforms are becoming more and more popular, especially for use in hot climates where UV is a problem. Users may be spending several hours a day, relaxing at water level where they can swim and enjoy being close to the water.

A method of providing shade is needed to prevent skin burning and the obvious negative effects of too much exposure to the suns UV.

There are currently two alternative methods of providing shade to a floatable inflatable platform.

1. Inflatable Canopies

Inflatable canopies such as shown in FIG. 1 can be unsightly in design due to the size they need to be for people to be able to walk under, also due to the fact they are light in their construction, they can act as a balloon and create lift and windage which is undesirable if attached to a platform on the sea, particularly from a safety point of view if the wind picks up suddenly. They need multiple connection points to strap them down. They take time to inflate and in the event of wind increasing rapidly, take time to deflate and pack away. Also, the shade is in a fixed position and can't be adjusted as the platform moves around on the sea.

2. Bimini Style

A bimini style arrangement as shown in FIG. 2, is a way of providing shade over inflatable platforms. A bimini requires a large stainless frame that is heavy and difficult to store on board yachts, where stowage is at a premium. The problem with this is arrangement is that the shade is in a fixed position, which may not be the optimum position for covering users, particularly if the inflatable is positioned on a floating platform in the sea facing the sun. Due to changes in sea conditions and currents etc, it is not always possible to keep the inflatable in the desired position to maintain the shade.

Another problem is the height of the bimini shade is fixed, and therefore this restricts the position users have to adopt to be in able to get shade. Often the only shaded position under a bimini style is to be either lying down or seated and not able to switch between both, and certainly not a standing position.

It is very difficult to attach a fixed pole umbrella to an inflatable, in such a manner as to keep the umbrella fixed firmly in an upright position, without damaging the inflatable below. For umbrella stands on land very often the bottom part is a container filled with sand or other heavy object such as concrete to providing the necessary stability for the umbrella. Therefore, attaching an upright stand to a light object such as an inflatable, whilst maintaining the stand substantially vertically is challenging.

Appearance is also important, and yachts or superyachts generally desire stylish accessories that fit well with the lines of their yachts, as well as the ability to attach umbrellas that match the style of the umbrellas on the yachts. Floatable inflatable platforms are used as floating extensions to a yacht, with the same design elements. With an umbrella, people can walk around freely in the shade they provide or adjust the umbrella into position for a seated or laying position.

Accordingly, the invention seeks to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages, either singly or in any combination. Aspects of the invention provide for a portable upright stand, for example to be used with a water-based platform, such as a floatable or inflatable platform, to hold an umbrella or other upright structure over the platform.

Therefore, a moveable upright stand, that may be used to support the upright of an adjustable umbrella, shade can be provided as desired to people that are either laying, seated, or stood on the platform.

Of course, there is also the possibility to attach two or more stands to a platform, to provide additional shade if required.

The portable upright stand can support a myriad of other products besides an umbrella. Other examples include:

a) Support for promotional advertising flags for retail or rental kiosks or other users;

b) As supports for uprights positioned along the edge of a platform to create walkway handrails;

c) Support for barriers to enclose a private area, or a performance area for example;

d)Support for up lights to allow the platforms to be easily used after dark;

e) As a support for a larger shade over one or more platforms, connected to the uprights at various points;

f) As a support for tables on the platform, where a table leg is supported by the stand to allow a table to be attached securely to the platforms;

g) As a support for a fishing rod.

According to the invention there is provided a stand suitable for attachment to a floatable or inflatable structure, for supporting an upright, comprising first and second arcuate sections, curving in opposed directions; a hollow tubular support for receiving the upright; wherein the hollow tubular support is located between said first and second arcuate sections and connected to each of said sections.

Preferably, the stand further comprises a central support having a top side and a bottom side; wherein said hollow tubular support is located on said top side of said central support and extends substantially perpendicular to said central support; and said tubular support is connected to said first and second arcuate sections on the bottom side of said central support

Preferably the first and section arcuate section are connected to said central support proximate the perimeter of said central support. Further preferably the first and second arcuate sections are connected at their common tangent.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention least one of said first and second arcuate sections has an elliptical or circular shape curved to provide the arcuate section. Further preferably, at least one of said first and second arcuate sections is a partial section of the outer surface of a tube. In an alternative embodiment of the invention said first and second arcuate sections are sections of the circumference of an ellipse or circle, and further comprising third and fourth arcuate sections that are sections of the circumference of an ellipse or circle, said third and fourth section located at the opposite end of said central support and parallel to said first and second arcuate sections respectively.

Preferably, the stand may further comprise at least one reinforcing rib between one of said first and third arcuate sections and said second and fourth arcuate sections.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention at least one of said first and third arcuate sections, or at least one of said second and fourth arcuate sections are complete circles or ellipses; joined by at least one reinforcing rib.

Still further preferably, both of said first and third arcuate sections, or both of said second and fourth arcuate sections are complete circles or ellipses, so in one of the opposed directions the tubular section is supported by a partial curved section, and in the opposed direction the tubular section is supported by a circular or elliptical section, defining a tubular region that a support element can pass through.

Further preferably said first and second arcuate sections are the same size.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of said first and second arcuate sections extends beyond the central support, and the other does not extend beyond the central support.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the stand further comprises a releasable locking system for releasably securing the upright in said support. Preferably, said releasable locking system is a threaded bolt that screws into said tubular support to hold said upright in position. Alternatively, the locking mechanism may be provided as a hole on the tubular section, which will engage a push fit switch on the upright to hold the upright in position.

In an example of the invention, the stand includes at least one additional securing fixing on said tubular support for securing said stand to said structure at a secondary location on said structure. Preferably, said additional securing fixing is a D-ring affixed to the outer surface of said tubular support.

Preferably, said central support is a substantially circular. Alternatively, the central support is substantially rectangular. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention said central support is a solid rectangular or circular plate.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention said central support is formed from a circumference and at least one circumferential support extending from said circumference to connect said circumference to the outer of said tubular support.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the portable upright stand is claim that is formed of metal, preferably stainless steel, or aluminium. Alternatively, the portable upright stand may be formed of plastic, or carbon, or other material of suitable high strength.

This invention relates to a portable upright stand that is small, light and can accommodate a number of upright objects that can be used for a multitude of purposes. It is quick to put into place (typically less than 2 minutes) and can accommodate umbrellas and shades that already exist on the market. The stand is easy to store and maintain. It looks like a luxurious item in keeping with the markets expectations. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to, the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further details, aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers are used to identify like or functionally similar elements. Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art inflatable canopy

FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art bimini arrangement,

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a portable upright stand according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows an alternative side view of the portable upright stand according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the portable upright stand according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a portable upright stand according to a modified first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a close-up front view of the top of a portable upright stand according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portable upright stand according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portable upright stand according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an alternative perspective view of a portable upright stand according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portable upright stand according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a portable upright stand according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portable upright stand according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a portable upright stand according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portable upright stand according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is an alternative perspective view of a portable upright stand according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 shows the attachment of a portable upright stand of the first embodiment to an inflatable platform;

FIG. 18 is an end on view showing the portable upright stand of the first embodiment in position between two inflatables;

FIG. 19 is a perspective top view of the portable upright stand of the fourth embodiment in position;

FIG. 20 is a view of the underside of a platform and Air Toggle with the portable upright stand of the fourth embodiment in position;

FIG. 21 is a close-up view of the portable upright stand of the first embodiment in position;

FIG. 22 is an alternative view of the portable upright stand of the first embodiment in position;

FIG. 23 is a a perspective view of a portable upright stand according to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a portable upright stand according to a further embodiment of the invention

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As the illustrated examples of the present invention may for the most part, be implemented using components known to those skilled in the art, details will not be explained in any greater extent than that considered necessary as illustrated below, for the understanding and appreciation of the underlying concepts of the present invention and in order not to confuse or distract from the teachings of the present invention.

Although examples of the invention are described with reference to various sizes and shapes of portable upright stands, it is envisaged that other sizes and shapes of stand may benefit from the concepts described herein.

The portable upright stand (for supporting an umbrella/sun-shade or any other object with a suitable pole or upright) is designed to be held upright by air pressure when the stand is positioned between two inflatables, such as a floatable inflatable platform, or inflatable air toggles, or other inflatable or floatable objects. The strength of the Air Pressure combined with the design of the portable upright stand keeps it upright. The portable upright stand can be kept in place between a platform and an inflatable Air Toggle, using the Air Toggle system as described in GB2531066 to link the platforms.

The operation will be described in detail below, but in summary, the platform is inflated and the portable upright stand is positioned along a side of the platform, a deflated Air toggle is fed through the Air Toggle loops of the platform on the other side of the portable upright stand and inflated. The Air Toggle of the platform and the inflated Air Toggle will hold the umbrella stand in place—pinning it against the wall of the platform with the pressure from the Air Toggle.

FIGS. 3 to 5, 7 and 8 are various different views of a first embodiment of a portable upright stand 100. As shown the stand is made of metal such as stainless steel, but other materials, such a high-density UV resistant plastic, carbon, or other metals (e.g. aluminium) are examples of different materials that may also be used. The shade has a central hollow tubular section 101, with interior 112 for receiving a stand or other support. The tubular section 101 is affixed at the bottom end to a top surface 103 of a central support plate 102. Close to the top end of the tubular section 101 are one or more D-rings, 107, welded to the outer of tubular section 101, these may be welded anywhere on the outer, but preferably they are equally spaced on the outer surface. When they are separated by 180 degrees they are positioned so that the D-rings are in line with the edge of the platform when inflated, so that guide wires can be affixed between the portable upright stand and a platform supporting the portable upright stand, in line with fittings on the platform. Guide wires 109, and wire guide 108 are affixed to D-rings 107 to act as secondary support to keep the portable upright stand 100 upright in winds and other atmospheric or water conditions to the top surface of an inflatable platform (as described with reference to FIG. 17). The tubular section 101 is also provided with locking region 111, that receives a threaded screw 110. When a pole or other upright is inserted into the interior 112 of tubular section 101, the screw 110 is tightened to hold the upright in position in the portable upright stand. There may also be other means of securing a pole/uptight in the interior 112, for example, the tubular section 101 may be provided with a cut-out (not shown) for receiving a push fit connector of the upright, which pops out when the upright is inserted, and will need to be physically depressed to allow the upright to be removed from the interior 112.

Preferably, the tubular section 101 has an inner diameter of 30 mm and length of 195 mm, although other diameters/lengths than are smaller or larger may be possible. Tubular section 101 is fixed to the top surface 103 of central support plate 102, preferably by welding for metal, or by other securing methods if the tube is made of plastic or other non-metallic material, in the centre of the circular metal piece, to house the umbrella pole or upright pole. Preferably, the inner of the tubular section 101 has a circular cross-section, but other cross sections, such as square, rectangular, oval, or other regular shape may be possible.

Attached to the bottom surface 104 of central support plate are elliptical sections 105, 106 that are curved to have a C-shape. Typically, elliptical sections 105, 106 are sized to match the height of the inflatable platform and an Air Toggle they will be affixed to. In a preferred embodiment the height of the platform is 200 mm, so the diameter of sections 105, 106 will be 200 mm, but they may be smaller or larger, for example 100 mm, 150 mm, 300 mm, 350 mm or 450 mm. As shown sections 105, 106 are fixed together, preferably by welding or other securing methods at the centre position 120 (the tangent where the sections touch) to give a shape of two back to back C's in the side view. FIG. 6 shows a modification to the first embodiment were the curved sections 105 are circular rather than elliptical/oval. All other components of this modified embodiment are as described above with respect to FIGS. 3-5, 7 and 8.

As shown, in this first embodiment (and the modified first embodiment), the central support plate 102 is circular, and the diameter of the plate is equal to the distance between the top of elliptical sections 105, 106, and the top of the elliptical sections 105, 106 are connected to the outer edge of the bottom surface 104 of support plate 102 at 115. Of course, the support plate may have another shape, and circular is merely the preferred shape for the first embodiment. Indeed, the plate may also extend over the elliptical sections 105, 106, so that they are connected to the interior of the bottom surface 104, and not the perimeter.

In this embodiment of the invention, the central support plate is a solid support plate, with a circumference, and then a complete inner within the circumference. FIGS. 23 and 24 show further embodiments of the invention, where the central support plate, is not a solid plate but is formed from the circumference 150, 250 of the plate, with circumference supports 152,252 extending from the circumference to join the inner of the circumference to the outer of tubular section 101, 201. In an example of the invention, there are two supports 152, 252 equally spaced around the circumference and extending to the outer of tubular section, but there may be any number more than two of the circumference supports for joining the circumference to the tubular section. Preferably, they will be equally spaced around the circumference, but in some examples of the invention, they may be randomly spaced around the circumference. Preferably, the circumference supports are wires, such as metal, or plastic, or any other material that has good resistance to rust, but they may also be solid sections. In some further embodiments of the invention, some of the sections 154, 254 bound by the circumference 150, 250 and the circumference supports 152, 252 may be filled in, with part of the support plate, or glass, or plastic, or other material. All other features of FIGS. 23 and 24 are as shown in previous figures

Threaded screw 110 with a turning handle is preferably positioned 100 mm (or at any convenient measurement) from the top of the tubular section 101 tube, to engage with locking hole 111 protruding from tubular section 101 on the centre line, in a threaded hole. This is used to tighten and fix an upright in position when it has been inserted into inner of tubular section 101. D-rings 107 are fixed to the outer surface of tubular section, separated by 180°. Preferably they are fixed to the outer surface by welding if the tubular section is metal or plastic, but other securing methods may also be used, according to the materials to be fixed together. Preferably, the D-rings are positioned to be perpendicular to the elliptical sections 105, 106, but may be positioned anywhere on the outer of the tubular section. Preferably Additional D-rings may also be provided, and this case the D-rings 107 are typically regularly spaced around the outer surface of tubular section 101. The D-rings are located approx. 20 mm from the top of the tubular section 101, but they may be provided anywhere along the length of tubular section 101. D-rings 107 are used in order to attach supporting guide wires, 109, which attach to the top surface of an inflatable platform, to prevent side to side movement of the umbrella or other item that is being supported.

In the description of the other embodiments that follow like elements will have corresponding reference numerals, so the portable upright stand of the second embodiment is referenced as 200, for the third embodiment the portable upright stand is referenced as 300, and for the fourth embodiment the portable upright stand is referenced as 400.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show the portable upright stand of the second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the portable upright stand is similar to the first embodiment, except for the following differences. Firstly, the central plate 202 is rectangular rather than circular.

Secondly, the elliptical sections, are each comprised of two parallel curved sections, 205, 205′; 206,206′ (rather than a single curved elliptical section) that are each connected at one end to the bottom surface 204 of the central plate 202. The curves sections typically define a third of the circumference of a circle and are sized to match the size and shape of the inflatables the portable upright stand will be sandwiched between. Preferably, the ends of parallel curved sections 205, 205′; 206, 206′ are connected to adjacent corners of bottom surface 204. The opposite ends of each parallel curved sections 205, 205′; 206,206′ are joined by support rib 240 that extends between the curved sections 205, 205′; 206, 206′. Curved sections 205, 206 and 205′, 206′ are position back-to-back to curve away from each other and are connected together 220, preferably by welding at the tangent where the curves touch.

In this preferred embodiment the support rib 240 extends between the ends of the curved sections 205, 205′; 206, 206′ but may be located between any two locations on the curved sections, preferably, locations that are directly opposite each other. In the embodiment as illustrated, the area defined by the support rib 240, curved sections 205′, 206′ and outer edge of bottom surface 204 of central plate 202 is a partial circumferential section of a tube. In operation the upright to be supported is inserted into the interior 212 of the tubular section 201. Although not shown, this embodiment may also include the locking screw and locking hole of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 11-13 show the portable upright stand of the third embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment, in that it is provided with hollow tubular section 301, rectangular central plate 302 with top surface 303 and bottom surface 304. The portable upright stand is also provided with parallel curved sections 305, 305′; 306, 306′, where sections 305, 305′ are back-to-back with sections 306, 306′, and connected at the common tangent of the two opposed curved sections. Like the second embodiment, the bottom ends of the parallel curved sections are connected via support rib 340. In this embodiment, each curved section 305, 305′, 306, 306′ is connected to the central plate at connection 315, and then each curved section 305, 305′, 306, 306′ further extends out above and past the central support plate 302. The top ends of parallel curved sections 305, 305′ and 306, 306′ are connected by supporting rib 350. As shown, the supporting ribs extend between the ends of parallel curved sections 305, 305′; 306, 306, but they may extend between any two points of the parallel, sections, preferably points that are at directly opposed locations. Curved sections 305, 306 and 305′, 306′ are position back-to-back to curve away from each other and are connected together 320, preferably by welding at the tangent where the curves touch.

Preferably, the parallel curved sections are semi-circular and the shape defined by the parallel curved sections 305, 305′; 306, 306′ and the supporting ribs 340, 350, is that of the outer perimeter of half cylinder.

FIGS. 14 to 16 show the portable upright stand 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The tubular section 401 and central plate 402 are as described above for the second and third embodiments. This embodiment has first parallel curved sections 405, 405′ that correspond to curved sections 205, 205′ of the second embodiment, and have corresponding supporting rib 440, and are connected to the supporting plate as previously described. As for previous embodiments, sections 405, 405′ are back to back with parallel curved sections 406, 406′ and are connected at the tangents where the opposed sections meet. In this embodiment sections 406, 406′ are complete circles that abut the sections 405, 405′. The circles 406, 406′ are connected to the bottom surface of central support plate 402 at 415, and the two parallel circles are connected by at least one bracing rib 460 that extend between the parallel circles 406, 406′. Preferably the supporting ribs are parallel to the central plate 402, but they may be positioned in different orientations.

In all of the above embodiments the curved sections under the central support plate are defined by the edges, and the interior bound by the edges is empty. In alternative embodiments however, it is possible that all of the curved sections may be solid. In this case, in the first embodiment curved sections 105, 106 are solid ellipses (rather than defining the perimeter of the ellipses), similarly, in the second embodiment, the curved sections, 205, 205′; 206, 206′, supporting rib 240 and bottom surface 204 of central plate 202 may be the perimeter of a solid section that is partial surface of a cylinder. Similarly, for the other embodiments, the curved sections may define solid curved sections, rather than simply defining the perimeter of a curved section/cylinder that does not have a partial/total interior.

In the various embodiments described above the portable upright stand is made of metal. Preferably stainless steel. The portable upright stand may also be coated metal, for example with a rubber, plastic or powder coated coat, or an enamel coating. In this case, the coating may prevent the portable upright stand from rusting, and potential transferring rust or other material from the portable upright stand onto the platform or air toggle that it is connected to. Alternatively, the portable upright stand may be made of other material such as UV resistant moulded plastic, or carbon. Basically, as long as the material is of suitable strength and resistant to exposure to sea or other weather conditions.

FIGS. 17, 18, 21 and 22 show the portable upright stand of the first embodiment in position and attached between an inflatable platform 700, and an Air Toggle 710. Typically, the platform and Air Toggle will be inflated to 5.5 psi/379 mb, but the invention will work with platforms that are inflated over a range of different pressures or may be platforms that are not inflatable.

The portable upright stand 100 is placed in between the inflated platform 700 and the deflated Air Toggle 710, which is in position, through the Air Toggle loops 712 that are attached to a side of the platform 700, ready to be inflated. The Air Toggle 710 is then inflated and sits in position next to the platform 700, held in place by the loops 712.

Air Toggle loops 712 are a loop of fabric (typically they are 25 mm wide and approximately 57 cm long) when they are not in use they are held in place on the side of the platform 700 with a Velcro® flap (not shown) about 8 cm in length-the dimensions of the flap and loop may vary if the dimensions of the platform 700 are changed. The loops 712 could also be formed by bungee or other material, as long as they can loop round to secure the Air Toggle and hold it in place. When the Air Toggles 710 are used, the Velcro (RTM) flap is released on each Air Toggle loop 712 to be used and the loops 712 pull out, the deflated Air Toggle is fed through all the Air Toggle Loops 712 and inflated, thus fitting round and holding in place the inflated Air Toggle 710. Air Toggles 710 are designed so that platforms 700 can link to other platforms or other floating systems with the Air Toggle linking system as described in GB Patent application number 1319142.4.

The Air Toggle linking system works to link two platforms 700 by releasing the Air Toggle loops 712 on the first platform along with the Air Toggle loops 712 on the Second platform 700. A deflated Air Toggle 710 is inserted through all of the released Air Toggle loops 712 for both platforms, thus holding the two platforms together, then inflating the Air Toggle 710 for an entrapment free connection.

The Pressure between the platform 700 and the Air Toggle 710 holds the portable upright stand 100 in place between the platform 700 and the Air Toggle 710. This occurs because the curved sections 105, 106 is compressed by the air pressure within the platform 700 and the Air Toggle 710. The calibrated stainless wire ropes 109 are then attached with the hook ends 704 of the bottle screws 706, to the platform D-Rings 702 situated at either side of the platform. Bottle screws 706 can then be wound in to tighten the calibrated wire ropes, bracing the portable upright stand 100 in a central position and minimising side-to-side movement of the stand 100. Portable upright stand 100 has D-rings 107, that can attach to wires 109 to provide additional way of securing the portable upright stand to the platform. The umbrella, or other upright pole can be inserted into the hollow interior 112 of tubular section 101 of the portable upright stand 100, until it slides to the bottom. As shown in FIG. 21, the umbrella is inserted into the interior 112 of the tubular section 101 of the stand 100. Using the turning handle, the threaded screw 111 can be tightened, fixing the umbrella or other upright into the portable upright stand 100.

The additional support provided by attaching the wires 109 to the D-rings 702 on the floating platform 700 is optional, and in the case of portable upright stands 200, 300, the fact that the curved sections are larger will provide more grip to the platform 700 and/or the Air Toggle 710 so additional securing means may not be required. This method allows any of the aforementioned portable upright stand, without additional securing means, to be positioned anywhere along any side of a platform, between a platform 700 and an Air Toggle 710 as long as there is at least one Air Toggle Loop 712 either side of the portable upright stand. Alternatively, the portable upright stand may also be positioned between two adjacent platforms, 700, that are firmly held together (to provide the pressure to support the portable upright stand in position). The platforms may be held in position tightly together by a ratchet or any other fixing means.

FIGS. 19 (top view) and 20 (bottom view) show how the portable upright stand of the fourth embodiment 400 is attached to an inflatable platform. As shown, the portable upright stand 400 is positioned between the platform 700 and an Air Toggle 710. As discussed above with reference to FIGS. 18, 21 and 22, the deflated Air Toggle 710 is passed through the released Air Toggle loops 712 of platform 700. The deflated Air Toggle 710 is also passed through the middle of circular sections 406 and 406′ of the portable upright stand 400. The Air Toggle 710 and the middle of circular sections 406 & 406′ and the Air Toggle Loops 712 will have matching diameters, so that when the Air Toggle 710 is inflated it is held snugly within the Air Toggle loops 712 and circular sections 406. Preferably this diameter is 20 cm but other diameters may be possible. This snug fit between the air toggle 710, the circular section 406 & 406′ and the platform 700 will keep the portable upright stand 400 firmly in place, and maintained in an upright position, without the need for extra securing fixings.

When the platform 700 and Air Toggle 710 are inflated, and the portable upright stand 400 is positioned between them, then circular sections 406 are secured as discussed above, passing around inflated Air Toggle 710, and the other curved sections, 405 & 405′ are a snug fit against a side or an end of the platform 700. Air Toggle loops can be provided on all sides of the platforms and therefore the portable upright stand can be positioned anywhere on the perimeter of platform, on any side or end of the platform 700. The curved sections 405 & 405′ will be sized to provide a snug fit against the side of the platform 700, typically 20 cm high. The supporting rib 440 is positioned on the portable upright stand 400 so that it will sit against the underside of the platform 700 and provide additional security for holding the portable upright stand 400 in place against the platform 700. Supporting rib 440 also keeps curved sections 405 & 405′ braced apart at even distances.

To support the portable upright stand 400 a platform 700 or other supporting structure needs to be fully inflated. The portable upright stand 400 is positioned in place where required alongside any side of the platform 700. The Air Toggle 710 is fed through one of the Air Toggle loops 712 near the portable upright stand 400, through circular sections 406 of portable upright stand 400, and then finally though the next Air Toggle loop 712. If there are more Air Toggle loops 712 on one side of the platform and a longer Air Toggle 710 is used, the Air Toggle 710 will be fed through more Air Toggle Loops 712, as long as there is at least one Air Toggle Loop 712 positioned either side of the portable upright stand 400. The Air Toggle 710 is then inflated to full pressure (typically 5.5 psi), bracing the portable upright stand 400 into position. Umbrellas or other upright structures can then be placed into the portable upright stand 400 and secured into place. The Air Toggles and loops as described above may be used with any of the embodiments of this invention.

This method allows the portable upright stand 400 to be positioned anywhere along any side of a platform, between a platform 700 and an Air Toggle 710 as long as there is at least one Air Toggle Loop 712 either side of the portable upright stand 400. Feeding the deflated Air Toggle 710 through the circular piece 406, 406′ of the portable upright stand 400, then inflating the Air Toggle 710, allows for the portable upright stand 400 to be supported in an upright position by the inflated Air Toggle 710 and without the need for additional secondary support from wire chain and D-ring points. The sizes of Air Toggle 710 can vary, for example, they may be 0.8 m, 1.5m, 2 m, 2.5, 3.5 m, 4 m, 4.5 m in length but they can be any desired length according to the size of the platform they will fit with. Air Toggles 710 can also vary in diameter in this example they are 20 cm, however they can be any size to match the size of the platform Alternatively, the Air Toggle 710 may be replaced by another inflatable support, that is sized to fit with the Air Toggle loop 712, and that may, for example, be an L-shaped support, or other inflatable support formed of one or more components, where one of the components is positioned at an angle between 45° to 135° to the other component.

In all of the embodiments, the portable upright stand 400 can be attached to a single platform 700, and just requires a second support, such as the Air Toggle loop 710, to hold the portable upright stand 400 securely in position between the platform and the second support. Preferably, the Air Toggle 710 will be held in place by Air Toggle loops 712 but there may be other means of securing the second support in position with respect to the platform 700. An Air Toggle 710, or other securing means can be used to link platforms 700 together. Therefore, the portable upright stand 100, 200, 300, 400 can be positioned in between any linking platforms or other inflatable such as NautiBuoy SEABOB and Jet-ski docks, preferably using the Air Toggle System to hold it in place. In this way, the portable upright stand 100,200,300,400 can be positioned between a platform 700 and a NautiBuoy SEABOB dock and positioned between the linking of any two inflatables either using the Air Toggle linking system or other securing means.

This invention provides a novel portable upright stand that can hold an umbrella or other upright structure to an inflatable or other platform. The Air Toggle inflation system as described in GB1417973.3 is used to hold the portable upright stand in place, this may also be used with tubular connectors as described in PCT/EP2018/062810.

In the forgoing specification, an invention has been described with reference to specific illustrated examples. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

The connections as discussed herein may be any type of mechanical connections. The sizes and locations of particular components need not be exactly as shown, as the drawings and description enable a skilled person to replicate the concepts described herein.

Any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively ‘associated such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be ‘associated with’ each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermediary components. Likewise, two components so associated can also be viewed as being ‘operably connected’, or ‘operably coupled’ to each other to achieve the desired functionality.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the accompanying claims. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in accordance with the invention. In the claims, the term ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps.

Thus, an improved solution is described for a portable upright stand, preferably for use with a floatable or inflatable platform, to hold an umbrella or other upright structure. The inventor of the present invention has recognised and appreciated a number of problems with existing designs, which have been substantially alleviated with the concepts described herein.

Number	Date	Country	Kind
1712806.7	Aug 2017	GB	national
1811877.8	Jul 2018	GB	national

PORTABLE UPRIGHT STAND

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